and so it ends

this chapter in our lives is finally closed. that doesn't mean that we won't see issues pop up later because of it, because we certainly will. but, it's all over

sentencing for elizabeth's abuser was today. he had refused to have a psycho-sexual evaluation done, which basically tells the judge how much of a danger he is to the community. by refusing, the judge had to basically assume the worst. as i mentioned a little earlier, i spent 2 days combing journals, and the blog, and anything else i thought might be useful in figuring out how to explain to the judge what this has done to our lives, and will continue to do. i also had to figure out what money was lost due to missing work and babysitting because of things related to court.

the judge gave him 7 fixed years in jail, with an additional 13 indeterminate. he also ordered restitution of $970 for our lost wages, and a civil amount of $5000.

we feel kind of bad, because he will die in jail. the man is 82, and life in prison for those found guilty or even accused of child abuse is not easy.