A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer addressed the issue of a soldier who went to war in Iraq, to defend our country, but when she came back to the United States, a family court judge ruled that it was in her child’s best interests to remain in the custody of the child’s father.  This is the saddest of issues for all involved.  And apparently, it is not uncommon.

What a dilemma!  Our soldier has answered the call to duty.  The other parent has taken on the huge responsibility of being a completely single parent.  The child, obviously our focus, has lost a parent for a significant period of time, and maybe had to change schools and make new friends.

And i even feel badly for the judge who is being asked to make a decision as to what is in the child’s best interests when the soldier returns. 

My first thought was that I was sympathetic to the soldier, who had sacrificed so much to protect our freedom.  But then I thought about the others involved, and realized that this is a sad situation for everyone.  And obviously one which will need to be decided more and more, and on a case by case basis.

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