by Debbie Gillotti

Created on: March 03, 2009

I sat in my little fishbowl of an office, observing the young woman who had come into the lobby a short time before. She had a small child with her, a cute little boy about four years of age. He appeared to be a rugged little guy but the glint in his bright blue eyes showed a much warmer side. He was dressed nicely and was pulling one of those Spiderman backpacks on wheels behind him. I had seen them come into the police station before. The location has been chosen as a safe ground' for parents doing a child exchange. A common meeting place for parents in the midst of separation and/or divorce that just can't seem to keep their emotions in check. The little boy seemed uneasy, obviously uncertain as to why he was being passed back and forth every few weeks between mommy and daddy. Adding to his confusion, he was being brought to this large building with locks on all the doors. Doors that sounded massive when they closed, due to the lack of carpet or any cozy furniture to absorb the sounds.

The woman stared out the large lobby windows, watching the traffic as it sped by. It was quite evident that the world around her was almost non-existent. Her stare was blank, expressionless. Her mind was no doubt on the arrival of the child's father, watching for his vehicle to pull into the parking lot, hoping there would be no harsh words or actions from him when they met face to face. There are moments that even a safe domain is not enough to discourage violence from an emotionally charged party. Her son sat quietly in the visitors chair, playing with a truck he had brought with him. The fragile woman calmly went through the motions of being a mother, hugging her son, sharing some brief conversation. Was she aware that he was sensing her pain? His little eyes gazed at her face, wanting answers, yet not knowing what to say.

Daddy would arrive soon after, showering his child with hugs and kisses. He and the child's mother would share brief words about vitamins and bedtime, their eye contact quick and cold.

Mommy says her quick goodbyes, holding back the tears as she gives her son a long, tight hug. In an instant, she slips out the door to her car. A slight frown covers the boys face as his eyes follow his mother out of sight. You know this exchange is difficult for both of them. Sure, the little guy loves both of his parents but he wants things like they used to be, like they used to be, before the fighting.

Through the six inch thick glass that protects me from the outside world while I am at work, a tiny voice wafts through the voice box. It is the small boy asking his daddy how long he will be staying with him, asking when he will see his mommy again. He has no concept of time at this age, so he is simply not sure about anything. Daddy offers him a slice of gum from his shirt pocket and tries to reassure him with some positive answers. This seems okay for now, but you know the questions will come again later. Daddy pats his head and throws the boy onto his shoulders in a fun manner and they proceed out the door to begin their weekend.

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