“Objection, your honor!” Thomas’s lawyer cried, jumping to his feet. “I will allow it since the guardian’s health directly impacts these proceedings,” the judge said.
“Thank you, your honor,” Joe’s lawyer continued, turning to face Thomas. “Is it true, Dr. Spellman, that you were diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the doctors can’t guarantee how long you will live?
And that this particular combination of medications is used to treat a brain tumor?”
Thomas hung his head as he said, “Yes.” He was indeed diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor months ago and was taking medications to shrink the size and prevent seizures. After listening to both parties, the judge looked at Thomas with sympathetic eyes and delivered the judgment. “Considering the new circumstances, the court believes that it would be best for the children to be in the care of their biological father.
Dr. Spellman, I wish you strength and good health, but if you truly love these children, you must understand that this is what’s best for them. Hence, I am awarding the custody of the children to their biological father.
You have two weeks to prepare them.”
Thomas had seen it all coming the day he received the summons, but he wanted to fight for his nephews and for the sake of his promise to Leah. As he packed his nephews’ bags, ready to bid them goodbye, Thomas’s chest felt hollow, as if a heart was no longer beating there. These children had been his reason to live.
“Uncle Thomas, we want to live with you! Please, Uncle Thomas,” the kids insisted. “Boys,” Thomas said.
“If you love Uncle Thomas, you know he would never choose something wrong for you. I want you to be happy, and Joe will keep you happy, boys. Will you please get your things to his car now?”
As the three little boys loaded their bags into Joe’s car, they didn’t even look at him.
In fact, they turned around and ran and hugged Doctor Thomas’s leg. “I love you, Uncle Thomas,” Jayden said in tears. “I…I don’t want to leave you!”
“We want to live with you, too!” Noah and Andy cried in unison.
“Hey, hey, guys,” Thomas crouched down to face the kids. “Didn’t we make a solid deal? I will come to see you on weekends, and we’re going to be good to Daddy Joe.”
Thomas wrapped the boys in a tight hug, swallowing his tears.
“Now come on; Joe’s waiting,” he said, trying to pull away, but the children held onto him even tighter. Joe had never liked Thomas. In fact, he would’ve done anything to have his kids back.
But at that moment, something in his heart shifted. He looked at Thomas and the boys and couldn’t stop himself from joining them. “You were right all along, Thomas,” he said, hugging them and shaking his head.
“We should not fight for the children but for their sake.” After that, Joe helped Thomas carry the boys’ bags back into the house. Tell us what you think of this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
