To: The Connecticut State House, The Connecticut State Senate, and Governor Ned Lamont
Grandparents Rights Amendment
I'm requesting an amendment for Grandparents who lose their child, and they had grandchildren of this son or daughter, to have the right to see this child if they request visitation rights because we no longer have our son or daughter to speak in favor of us having a relationship with this child.
Why is this important?
My son, Arnold Irizarry, passed away 5 years ago, suddenly leaving his only daughter. After my Son passed away, I was not allowed to see my granddaughter because the mother got into a relationship and wouldn't allow me near my Granddaughter. I went to the court asking for " Visitation Rights", but the law establishes the Grandparent should have a parent-like relationship with the grandchild or be concerned about his/her safety. How can I have a parent-like relationship with my Granddaughter if I'm not allowed to see her? How can I know if she's been abused if I'm not allowed to come near her and the law doesn't protect my rights as a Grandmother? Grandparents are needed in children's lives; we provide support, safety, caring, love to this child. I need our voices to be heard and our rights to be respected and honored. We are blood-related to this child and it is not fair that we are kept away. In my case, my granddaughter recognizes me, remembers me, and suffers and cries every time she sees me and me I feel so depressed and I cry in silence every day for this girl because I adore her and she is the only thing I have left from my son. Please help me; please advocate for me and my rights.