Mediation wrap up

We concluded the child custody mediation today...ugh...it was not pretty. We did get an agreement, but I am not sure it will take. It has to be approved by the Friend of the Court and stamped by the judge. We knew it would be problematic, but it was the best we could do. It took five hours to hammer this sucker out...combined time, that is. I thoroughly believe in mediation as a communication tool for those in conflict, but I am not sure I am cut out for FOC mediations. They are too brutal. Work place, neighborhood, small claims I can handle; family matters and Special Ed...it might take a different person. It is a study in human dynamics, that is for sure, but all the lack of trust and blaming. Where does all that crap come from?

On the positive side, the Summit on Racism is tomorrow...I enjoy the speakers, but I am not keen on the work sessions. I am not sure anything comes out of them. What is needed is for people of different cultures to intermix. Get in each other's lives and homes and get to know them. As long as we hold folks who are different from us at arm's length we will be suspecious and resentful of them. It is a two way street, for sure, but the bigger person will take the first step.

We are starting to get ready to go on the trip...planning, etc. I have to go over and wake up the Gulfstream and get the jeep ready to tow...wow...6000 plus miles...