Chapter 8 - THE EMAIL I SHOULD NOT HAVE SENT
I lasted nine days.
Then I made my mistake.
A rehab discharge meeting was scheduled.
Eleanor.
Physical therapist.
Social worker.
Professional fiduciary Melissa.
Me.
Sancia had been excluded from financial decisions but still had family visitation rights unless Eleanor chose otherwise.
The night before, I received a screenshot from Owen.
Sancia:
Linden Court is still the only realistic option. Radnor will keep Mom in that house until she signs it over to him.
I became furious.
I emailed the rehab director.
Subject:
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION / DISCHARGE SAFETY.
I wrote:
Sancia attempted to steal Eleanor’s house, fraudulently sell it, and force Eleanor into assisted living against her will. She should not be allowed access to Eleanor during discharge planning.
Too broad.
“Steal” not established.
“Fraudulently” still under review.
“Force” maybe emotional, not legal.
The facility reacted cautiously.
They temporarily suspended Sancia’s unsupervised visits pending safety review.
Eleanor was furious.
At me.
“What did you do?”
“I was protecting you.”
“From talking to my daughter?”
“She tried to sell your house.”
“And I revoked her authority.”
“She’s still pressuring you.”
“I can say no.”
Then:
“You don’t get to turn me into a helpless old woman because it helps your case.”
That hit.
I had done a smaller version of Sancia’s mistake.
Assumed Eleanor needed my preferred protection.
Then Juniper lost a scheduled visit with Grandma because she normally came with Sancia.
She cried.
Another child paying adult cost.
Naomi read my email.
“Why do my clients enjoy creating exhibits for opposing counsel?”
“I was angry.”
“Correct it.”
I did.
Second email:
I used legal conclusions prematurely. Established facts are that Sancia initiated a proposed house sale without Eleanor’s written approval required by the POA, possessed the original deed without Eleanor’s permission, and prepared a notice affecting my tenancy. I request that Eleanor’s own preferences and the facility’s safety process govern visitation.
Better.
The facility reviewed.
Eleanor said:
“I want Sancia to visit with another relative present for now.”
Her choice.
Visits resumed.
Juniper too.
My original accusation remained in the record.
Sancia used it later to argue I exaggerated financial misconduct.
She was right about that email.
I had to own it.
Then Maelle heard me apologize to Eleanor.
“Daddy did wrong?”
“Yes.”
“Like trash?”
“Different.”
“Lots wrong.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled.
Then asked:
“Does Aunt Sancia still go jail?”
Children jump.
“I don’t know what court will decide.”
“Because inhaler?”
“Yes.”
“Did you go jail for trash?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Different conduct, different cases.”
She frowned.
May you like
“Complicated.”
Very.
