h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We were due to go to court tomorrow for little to give evidence in the prosecution of the driver who ran him over last year (almost a complete year ago). Last night I had more or less a full blown tantrum on my hands. The presenting problem was about the mealtime, but underneath it was his anxiety about going to court, coupled with the fact that going to court would mean he missed his second on-road cycle lesson and also his school play rehearsal.

Today, my next door neighbour knocked on my door and told me a police officer had been round to visit and given her the message that he didn't have to attend court tomorrow. When I told him, was he pleased? NO! He said, 'I want to state my case in court!' Mensch!

Oh my dear little

He was obviously very stressd about it. I am really surprised that they expect someone of his age to go to court to give evidence. It seems reallly odd.

Do give him our love and tell him that I am sure that he will make the right decision.

With
Christiane and K.

Well, yesterday he was in a real state. He pulled all the coats off the coat hooks in the hallway, the pulled all the books out of the bookcase in the upper hallway. He came down to confess having poured all the liquid soap down the sink.
I said, 'That's OK - I'll take it out of your pocket money!'
He said, 'But I confessed!'
I said, 'Do you think I wouldn't have noticed? It would have been much worse if you hadn't told me!'
He went away to think about it, and continue being cross.
In the end, he calmed down and I helped him put all the books in the upstairs hall in piles - and we sorted out some books for donation to the charity shop while we were at it.

I'm not going to take him to court. He doesn't need to attend, so I'll check with the court why he didn't need to go. Maybe the accused has pleaded 'guilty' or maybe the evidence from the other witnesses is so compelling. Or maybe the date has been put back. Who knows. Anyway, I'll find out tomorrow.

In the meantime, little will get to go on the cycle training course and take part in rehearsals for the school play.

o/

That would be an ordeal for anyone of any age! Just so long as the culprit gets what's coming to him!

You handled that tantrum brilliantly. He's a lucky boy.

Websailor

Yes - well done Mum.

Yes, well done. You both have a very strong relationship with each other. I wish you the best of luck in the court case, and hopefully it will be resolved to your satisfaction.

Hi TC, Websailor and Woodpigeon,

Yes I do think I handled it well this time. Much better than on some previous occasions. Dealing with other people's anger has never been easy for me as it was almost forbidden whilst I was growing up. My mum was very uncomfortable with it (actually with any negative emotions), which meant I didn't learn how to deal with anger outside the family either. Although it was a slow process, I think what helped me was the feeling of compassion - and the Buddhist practice of Tonglen - breathing in his anger and breathing out love. It really worked!

I had a visit from two policemen this morning to tell me that little wasn't required in court, followed by a phone call from the lady at witness services, again saying we weren't required. I did get to find out why, though. Unfortunately, the driver hasn't yet pleaded guilty. One of the key witnesses said his wife needed him at home to care for her, following a triple by-pass. He used to be the patrol at the site and was on duty when the incident occurred. The school crossing patrol supervisor says that she is perfectly capable of getting out and about and that they have a holiday planned soon. She was really annoyed about the delay on my behalf.

Still, little did get his on-road cycle training this morning and his school play rehearsal this afternoon, so he's well pleased.