Timeline Page 5 of 9

Jul 30th, 2015

Mark accompanies Patrick to see Andrea for the first time since June 15, 2015. Judy is with Andrea that day.

MARK: Does she ask about Chris at all?

JUDY: She will call Chris, now sometimes she is frightened. You know, It's a, It's a frightened thing, but we basically tell her, you know, he's not here. In fact we say that about all this. We try to bring her back to reality. Chris isn't here, Patrick isn't here...

Aug 13th, 2015

I appeared in disability court to have Judge Annette Karem consider a motion to allow Patrick and me to visit Andrea prior to the disability hearing on August 24th.

Judge Karem stated that she did not feel that it was right for John and Patrice to deny us visitation since the investigation conducted by social services had been closed as unsubstantiated and made the following statement to John and Patrice's attorney:

“I cannot rule on granting any visitation prior to the disability hearing, but it would be in your client's best interest to call Mr. Ansman and come to an agreement for visitation. If they will not do that, I am going to take that into consideration when granting Guardianship.”

The attorney assigned to represent Andrea in the proceedings (Guardian ad litem) made the following statement regarding the validity of the Power of Attorney signed by Andrea:

“Judge, considering the facts that she was intoxicated when signed and executed on the same day that she was admitted to the hospital, I do not believe the Power of Attorney to be valid. I do not see how it could be.”

Although the judge was unable to order visitation, my attorney and I both agreed that it went much better than we expected.

Aug 16th, 2015

Patrice,

I have read your letter regarding visitation with Andrea for Patrick and me. Unfortunately, I am not surprised with your response. You have asked your lawyer to affirm that “Neither Patrice or John would ever do anything to prevent the child from seeing his mother”, but that is what you are doing and your justifications to others for doing so are based on the deceptions you have created.

I wish you understood the pain that your decisions have caused Patrick and me. I have stated before that I know you have no concern for me, but I still believed that you cared how this has affected Patrick. He is losing hope that his mother will ever be able to return and the only thing I am able to tell him is “We don't know that”. He prays every night for her to hold him and call him “Bug” and that she return to us “Happy and Healthy”. He misses her so much. I still believe that you care for him, but I also feel that your need for others to justify your sanctimonious behavior seems to overshadow your ability to act in the best interest of others.

You stated in your response that I could bring Patrick to the hospital and notify you after arriving on Andrea's floor to allow you to take Patrick back and visit with his mother. You stated I could wait by the elevators for you to bring him back to me. I'm sure you realize that this veiled attempt of compromise is solely meant to punish me and reinforce the belief that you are in charge. I could live with that, I tolerated that behavior every day when I was allowed to visit my wife, but it would leave Patrick in a vulnerable position. I have explained to you before that Patrick would not feel comfortable alone with any of you and you have heard those words from him. If you want me to believe that you would never say anything to manipulate Patrick, then you, John, and Judy should have never made demeaning statements about me in the past while Patrick was there. You ignored my repeated requests for civility in Patrick’s presence, but ask me to trust you alone with him. It would be foolish for me to give you my trust when you have consistently broken it throughout this ordeal. You need to accept that your actions and behavior towards me have consequences and those consequences include alienating Patrick by making him feel he has to choose a side. I did not want that, and have expressed that sentiment to you on numerous occasions, but you would not stop.

The offer to allow Mark or my father to accompany Patrick on visitation is unfortunately not a viable alternative in the near future. Mark has been transferred to Homicide and will be in training for the next 6 weeks. He also explained to me that he is not comfortable with doing this for a number of reasons. My father lives in LaGrange and would need to find someone to stay with my mother while he was gone. The long drive and scheduling make this prohibitive. He was able to take Patrick once before because he had to come to Louisville that day.

I stood in court on Thursday and listened as your lawyer sarcastically remarked “Your honor I'm sure Mr. Ansman is the perfect father...”. He is an attorney and is obligated to act act in the best interest of his client and therefore I cannot blame him for making that statement, I blame you. I find it in very poor taste that you would imply to anyone that I am an unfit parent when John and you refused to act upon any of my pleas for you to get Andrea help for her alcoholism. You dismissed my efforts as “lies” and “manipulation”, and now we all must suffer the consequences of your inaction. I sent you pictures of the alcohol bottles we found. I told you that Patrick observed her drinking in the car and disposing the empty bottles in the trash while pumping gas. I told John that Andrea admitted to our therapist that she had a drinking problem. You saw how sick Andrea appeared and the jaundice around her eyes was clearly evident by mid March. She told you she felt sick quite often and you drove Patrick to school on at least one occasion because she was ill. She regularly stayed in bed throughout the day while at your house. Anyone could have put all these things together and realize that Andrea needed help. I repeatedly tried to convince you both to get her help, but you chose to not only ignore me, but tell Andrea I was trying to “control” her. You now face the realization that my pleas were not lies or manipulation, and you did nothing to help her. You have justified Andrea's actions and your inactions by falsely accusing me of horrible acts that, even if true, would not excuse your failure to act. You decided to transfer your feelings of guilt into anger directed at me and acted quickly to ensure that others would follow your lead by telling them Andrea was driven to this by my physical and mental abuse.

In the complaint you filed against me with Child Protective Services, you stated that you had evidence of abuse committed by me in the form of a photo taken in February 2015 that reportedly showed Andrea with a black eye that you claimed was caused by me. If that photo did exist, and you honestly believed that Andrea or Patrick were being physically abused or in danger of being physically abused, why would you wait until the end of April after she entered the hospital and unable to communicate to report it? The only answer is that you wouldn't. Any parent would act immediately to protect their children and grandchildren from the abuse you alleged against me.

I would be lying if I said I was not hurt by your ability to demonize me so easily and to the lengths you were willing to do so. I felt abandoned and later betrayed by the same people who ridiculed me for putting work above his family. Yes, I worked too much, but it was my working that afforded Andrea and Patrick the opportunities to spend time with you and John at their leisure. Andrea did not have to work and was able to devote her time to our son. This is what she wanted to do and she did it very well until the alcoholism consumed her life. Now Patrick finds himself without the mother that played such a vital role in his life and left only with a father struggling to fill the role she provided, and dealing with the grief over his own loss as well. You have chosen to compound our problems by refusing to allow us to visit Andrea and forcing us to acknowledge the depths you are willing to traverse in order to maintain complete control regardless of the collateral damage it causes.

Chris

Aug 24th, 2015

Today was the first of multiple hearings I would attend in my effort to be appointed Andrea's guardian.

The proceedings are actually comprised of 2 separate phases. The first phase is a trial to determine if Andrea required the appointment of a guardian, and took place immediately prior to the hearing I was there to attend. The trial involved the seating of 6 jurors who are read the reports of a three-member team composed of a physician, psychologist and social worker who each examined Andrea and submitted their findings to the court prior to trial date. The jury determined that the evidence supported the appointment of a guardian for Andrea.

The hearing following the trial was the start of the second phase, selecting someone to serve as Andrea's guardian. A jury is not seated for this phase. The judge makes the determination of selecting the guardian and setting the extent of authority that guardian is granted for managing the affairs of their ward. Since both Patrice and I had filed petitions to be appointed Andrea's guardian, multiple hearings would be required to hear testimony from both sides before the judge made a determination of who would be best suited for appointment.

At the hearing today, Judge Annette Karem first ruled that the Power of Attorney Andrea signed was not valid. Her decision was based on Andrea's blood alcohol level and medical condition at the time it was signed.

Judge Karem then assigned a social worker from the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Guardianship to serve as Andrea's guardian until a decision on appointing either Patrice or I was made.

I briefly met with the state appointed guardian following the conclusion of today's proceedings. Michael Gutter introduced himself to me and briefly explained his role in Andrea's care. He presented himself in a friendly and professional manner, removing any concerns I had that Andrea may not be cared for appropriately by someone who did not know her.

The highlight of the day was that I was going to see my wife again after being separated for 3 months. I was eager to leave court and get to Pathways, the brain injury rehabilitation facility where Andrea currently resided. I left the courthouse and drove to pick Patrick up from school. I called my parents on the way to let them know the good news. My father said that he would meet us at Pathways.

Patrick, my father and I arrived at Pathways a short time later and proceeded to Andrea's room. Judy (Andrea's aunt) was sitting in a chair next to Andrea's bed. She smiled and said hello when we entered the room. Andrea was shocked to hear my voice and recognized it immediately. I hugged Andrea and she began to cry, asking me where I had been. She then held Patrick for a very long time and attempted to talk with him, but her speech was hampered by her excitement. I was so happy to be with her.

Approximately 20 minutes into our visit, Andrea's elation quickly turned to agitation and anger directed towards me. Andrea began shouting at me and demanded that I leave, accusing me of having an affair. I was shocked and attempted to calm her down, but her outbursts continued.

A social worker assigned to Andrea's unit was observing the visitation and asked us to end our visit to allow Andrea to calm down. We complied and gathered in the hall, visibly shaken by what had occurred. The realization that months of negative reinforcement by Andrea's parents quickly changed my joy to despair as I saw the problems laid out before us on the long road ahead.

Aug 27th, 2015 thru Dec 10th, 2015

Michael Gutter is a state social worker for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Guardianship. He was assigned to serve as Andrea's guardian following the first guardianship hearing on August 25th, 2015 until I was appointed successor guardian on April 24th, 2016, a total of 243 days. Although I was relieved that Patrice's Power of Attorney was revoked by the judge, the time that Mr. Gutter served as guardian proved to be equally problematic for Patrick and I. Following the first guardianship hearing, Mr. Gutter introduced himself to me. While the meeting was cursory, I felt he was friendly and professional. I left the courtroom optomistic that the obstacles we faced over the past 6 months would finally be removed. I was wrong. The friendly introduction outside of the courtroom would prove to be the only time Michael Gutter acted professionally or courteous towards me.

Call from Michael Gutter
Aug 27th, 2015 8:43am

Michael Gutter called me to obtain information about Andrea's and I finances, specifically he needed to be made aware of any assets that Andrea held solely or that we shared jointly.

After providing him the information, he stated that he had visited with Andrea at Pathways the day before. He explains to me that Andrea specifically asked him to not allow me to visit with her and that she did not want to see me.

I attempted to explain to him that Andrea was only saying what her parents had repeatedly been trying to convince her of following her hospitalization. I told him that I was fearful that their efforts to demonize me would only intensify following their decision to stop me from visiting in June, and that my fears were realized following our first visit in 3 months with Andrea Monday afternoon. I told him that our visit went ivery well initially. I explained how happy Andrea was to hear our voices, how she hugged and kissed Patrick and I, and how she asked me “Where have you been?”. I told him that Andrea's joy to see us, abruptly changed to anger approximately 45 minutes after we arrived. I stated that Andrea had never reacted in that manner prior to June.

Mr. Gutter was not compelled by my arguments and stated that I was not to visit with Andrea until after the monthly meeting between family and doctors scheduled for September 2, 2015 at Pathways. He explained that he would reconsider visitation between Andrea and I following the meeting. Mr. Gutter stated that Patrick should still be permitted to visit with Andrea, and asked if I would be willing to allow John and Patrice to take him. I was taken aback by his request.

CHRIS: “Sir, you are asking me to allow my son to go with the same people who have manipulated my wife while she was suffering from a brain injury.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “I understand your frustration.”

I told him that I was not comfortable allowing Patrick to be left alone with either of them and that we would wait until the meeting on September 2nd.

Email from Pam Pearson
Sep 3rd, 2015 12:08pm

I received the following email from the Pathways Program Director that any visitation with Andrea from members of my family will be limited to the locked ward in which Andrea is assigned. No explanation was provided.

PAM PEARSON: After discuss with Andrea's guardian today we have been instructed to let you know that until further notice her visits with you, your parents and her son are to be held on the locked unit only. She would not be allowed to go out of the locked unit at this time. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

CHRIS: I understand. Thank You.

Email from Patrice
Sep 3rd, 2015 3:31pm

I received the following email from Patrice explaining that she wants to move forward. As I read her email, I begin to feel that it wasn't actually written for me, but for the courts or possibly the state appointed guardian. Her choice of words seem out of character and are overtly complimentary of Michael Gutter and Pathways. I also cannot simply dismiss the coincidence of receiving the unexplained email from Pam Pearson just 3 hours earlier.

PATRICE: I agree that there is a lot to talk about. I think we would be better off dealing with one issue at a time rather than trying to deal with everything at once. As Mr. Gutter said yesterday it is not productive to focus on the past. We have all said and done things that were not the best choices. I don't think it will do us any good to rehash these issues. We need to focus on what we need to do now.

As far as Andrea goes, we feel we need to follow what Mr. Gutter and Pathways say is best for Andrea. They are the experts. None of us know exactly what her future will be like. We need to support her where she is right now and take each day at a time. It's hard to make decisions about the future because the future is so uncertain. I think we would do better to focus our attention on her recovery.

We would really like to see Patrick again and spend time with him. He is very special to us. We understand it may be uncomfortable at the beginning. We feel that it is important for Patrick to know that even if John, you and I have differences he can still love us all. We also feel that it would be very good for Patrick to have ongoing therapy. Andrea's condition is a lot for anyone to process. I think it's important for us to remember he is a child and needs to deal with this on a child's level. We also think it's important for him to spend time with his friends and just be a kid. John and I have found it helpful to spend time with our friends and do some of the things we enjoy.

If you have some guidelines in mind for our visits with Patrick, it would be helpful to have them written down. That way we can both refer to them when we have questions. In the past we have had a lot of fun doing things with Patrick and would like to share those good times again.

CHRIS: I really want to believe what you are saying. I really do. I know what you are saying is exactly what needs to be done. I do have a few issues I would like to discuss with you today while at Pathways but they have to do with Patrick, not rehashing.

PATRICE: I don't know if it is best for us to discuss these issues in front of Patrick.

Messages before and after the email exchange
Sep 3rd, 2015 3:10pm - 4:18pm

PATRICE: I sent you an email with some of my thoughts. It was too long for a text.

CHRIS: i replied

CHRIS: They aren't. I understand you do not want to sit down with me and talk about anything, I am hesitant as well, we do not trust each other. But it has to be done before we try to move forward. It does not have to be today I will leave that to you.

PATRICE: I'm not sure Pathways is the right place to talk. You will have Patrick with you. If you would like you can call me tomorrow and we can discuss Patrick.

CHRIS: I was thinking Patrick would be fine visiting with Andrea but I will defer that judgement to you. But when you do decide to talk with me it needs to be in person.

PATRICE: Why can't we do it on the phone? What can you say in person that you can not say on the phone?

CHRIS: I am more comfortable trusting what people say when I am able to observe body language.

Visitation with Andrea
Sep 3rd, 2015 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Patrick and I arrived at Pathways and found Andrea awake and laying in bed. This will mark the first visit since Mr. Gutter asked me not to visit with Andrea the week before. It is also the first time we have been able to visit with her without Patrice, John or Judy present since Andrea was hospitalized.

The visit went well. Andrea was constantly wanting something to eat. We were able to manage a few short conversations and make her smile quite a few times. Andrea told Patrick how much she loved him several times and this made Patrick very happy.

At 5:30 Andrea's dinner arrived and I fed her tuna casserole, pasta salad and peaches. Andrea needs assistance being fed, but is able to drink from a glass with little help.

After Andrea finished her dinner she became upset and started to cry. When I asked her why she was crying she stated, “You don't love me”. I held her and asked her why she would say that. Andrea tearfully explained to me that I was “cheating” on her and that she knew another woman was living in our house. I told her this was not true and that only Patrick and I were staying in our home. Patrick stopped watching television and asked Andrea why she said that.

ANDREA: “Because I know it's true.”

CHRIS: “Who told you this?”

ANDREA: “Mom and Dad and they said they would take care of me...” (The remainder of what she said was unintelligible)

I could have disregarded her statements as a random outburst, but during our visit immediately following the 1st guardianship hearing, Andrea also accused me of cheating on her twice within minutes of each other. Her Aunt Judy was present that day, and when I asked Judy who had told Andrea that, Judy replied, “I don't know. She has been saying that for the past couple days, but I promise you we know nothing about it.”

I believed that Andrea's outbursts are the result of manipulation by her parents to have Andrea get upset when I visit, giving them cause to request an end to my visitation privileges.

Visitation with Andrea
Sep 4th, 2015 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Our visit with Andrea today continued with her accusing me of having a woman living in our home. Patrick and I both again attempted to explain to her that this was not true. We tried to change the conversation to memories of all the good times we shared, and while this worked for a short time, she eventually returned to asking me about the woman living in our home. I decided to sit in the hall and allow her time to talk to Patrick while I observed.

Patrick and Andrea talked briefly about Patrick starting band and learning to play the saxophone, but it was obvious that her thoughts were elsewhere and Patrick soon wanted to leave.

We ended the visit with a “Group Hug” and told Andrea we would be back tomorrow. Patrick and I talked at length on the way home about Andrea's accusations. I believe he understands, but it is obviously hard for him to accept.

Call to Michael Gutter
Sep 9th, 2015 9:50am

I called Michael Gutter this morning to speak with him over my concerns of not being notified by Pathways when Andrea was transported to the hospital over the weekend. Mr. Gutter explained that he had already received 2 phone calls that morning concerning Andrea and that he did not have time to be a family counselor.

CHRIS: “I just need to know if you will allow the nursing staff at Pathways to notify me whenever Andrea is transported to the hospital?”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “You have no right to be notified. Only I, as her guardian, have the right to be notified of those events.”

CHRIS: “Why can't I be notified? Patrice was called when Andrea was transported to the hospital.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “I am not required to discuss these details with you.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “Chris, did you or did you not ask Andrea to leave your home on March 2nd?”

CHRIS: “I asked her to stay with her parents until she decided to get help with her problems.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “Well that sounds like abandonment to me.”

CHRIS: “What do you mean?”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “Look I know it's tough for you and your son, but she is not coming home to you and you need to accept that. You were not appointed as her guardian and that should tell you something.”

CHRIS: “Judge Karem appointed you as guardian temporarily until Patrice and I each decide if we want to continue seeking appointment.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “I don't know about that.”

CHRIS: “What do you mean, Andrea is not coming home to us?”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “I am not going to discuss those details with you.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “I am not going to change anything. You have no need to speak with Andrea's doctors or be informed of any treatments she receives. You are not her guardian. The only affiliation you have with Andrea is your son and the contract of marriage.”

CHRIS: “Those are pretty important affiliations.”

MICHAEL GUTTER: “Goodbye Mr. Ansman.” (call ended)

The conversation obviously did not go as I had hoped. I did not know why he acted so blatantly hostile towards me, but I was very upset by the statements he made. I had no doubts that Patrice was somehow responsible for the attitude displayed by Mr. Gutter, but would never be able to prove it. Any hopes I had of Mr. Gutter treating me fairly were gone, and I was frustrated by my inability to do anything about it.

Email to Michael Gutter
Oct 8th, 2015 11:48am

Michael Gutter did not attend the monthly family meeting at Pathways and I needed to discuss many issues with him.

Mr. Gutter,

I needed to address several issues with you concerning Andrea and our vehicle that you took possession of several weeks ago. I planned on speaking with you yesterday at Pathways following our scheduled meeting with medical staff, but you did not attend.

I would first like to address my concerns over the vehicle you picked-up from John & Patrice's home several weeks ago, a 2003 Kia Rio. I was not notified by you, Patrice or John that you had taken possession of our vehicle or what your intentions were to do with it. I am unsure if you are required to notify me of these actions, but would expect that you would have extended me this courtesy since Andrea and I are married and since I am the insurance policy holder for that vehicle. If your intentions are to sale the vehicle, I need to know that I can cancel the insurance policy. I understand the state wanting to liquidate Andrea's assets in order to recoup the medicaid costs she has accumulated, but it should be noted that Andrea was removed from her Humana health insurance policy and placed on medicaid by her mother acting as Power of Attorney shortly after entering the hospital. Our entire family was covered under that Humana policy that I paid just under $800 per month for and pleaded with Patrice not to remove her from it to no avail. Since Andrea had medical insurance, I hope you understand my frustration with the state taking possession of and selling our vehicle to reimburse medicaid for expenses that should have been paid by our health insurance coverage.

The next issue I need to address are the phone conversations that occurred on the morning of September 9th, 2015. You were contacted by my mother, Mary Ansman, who called to find out why members of our family were restricted to the locked ward during visitation with Andrea. My mother contacted you after being notified by Pathways that you had explicitly stated to them that my family and I were not to leave the locked ward with Andrea, but that Andrea's parents and their family members were not subject to the same restrictions. At one point in the conversation you stated to my mother that she should not be calling you on my behalf and that if I had any concerns that I should call you myself. First, let me state that my my mother did not call on my behalf. My mother called you over her own concerns over the legitimacy of the restrictions you placed on my family's visitation with Andrea while allowing others to visit her without restriction. As you are aware my mother is a retired state social worker, and felt, as do I, that your decision was based upon bias created by the conversations between you and Andrea's mother, Patrice Hayes. Following the conversation with my mother I was called by my mother and told to call you. During our conversation you informed me several times that your job was not to "referee" the ongoing dispute between Andrea's parents and I, but rather to work in the best interests of Andrea. I understood and agreed with you, but further explained the reason for my call was to find out why members of my family were being restricted during visitation while others were not. You appeared to become frustrated with me for asking the question and made references to the allegations of abuse that Andrea's parents made against me that were investigated by both Adult Protective Services and Child Protective Services. Both investigations, as you are aware, were completed and closed as unsubstantiated. During our conversation you also stated that you had talked with Andrea on one occasion at Pathways while she was participating in therapy and that she stated to you that she did not want to see me. Andrea has told me that she does not recall ever meeting you or making such a statement. The issues that affect her short-term memory would explain this, but her therapists do not recall her making these either.

I am requesting that all the restrictions you have in place against my family and I be removed and that you allow us to participate in the process of her medical care equally in the same manner and freedom that you have extended to her parents, including notification and transportation to and from scheduled appointments with doctors. Andrea has stated that she wants this as well and I ask that you to speak with her to discuss this. I also encourage you to speak with Andrea's caregivers at Pathways to verify the amazing progress Andrea has made since the court overturned Patrice's Power of Attorney and our visitation rights were reinstated. Andrea's agitation has almost completely disappeared, her mood has elevated, and her awareness has improved greatly. These facts were brought out by her doctor at the family meeting yesterday.

I am sending you these requests via email because I have left several messages for you to call me on your voicemail, but have not received any response. I am requesting that you call or email me as soon as possible with your responses or questions.

Chris Ansman

Email to Michael Gutter
Nov 3rd, 2015 2:31am

Mr. Gutter,

I am writing you one more time to ask that you please end the restrictions you have chosen to put in place that prevents me from taking my wife from the locked ward and prevents me from taking my wife to her scheduled doctors appointments. I wish to be allowed to participate in the process of her medical care equally in the same manner and freedom that you have chosen to delegate to her parents. Andrea has stated to the staff at Pathways several times that she wants me to be able to take her outside and take her to her doctors visits. She has requested several times to speak with you about these restrictions. Your decision to continue these restrictions based on allegations made by her mother are unfair to Andrea, our son and myself. The allegations that were made against me are false and have been investigated and those investigations have been closed as unsubstantiated by both Adult Protective Services and Child Protective Services. Allegations can be made by anyone and I am sure you have dealt in the past with people who have made false allegations to further their ulterior motives. Andrea has stated that the allegations are false and if you would just take the time to speak with her and her nurses you will find that your restrictions are unwarranted.

I understand that you have numerous clients under your care and do not have the time to investigate every detail that crosses your desk, but my family is suffering and ask you to rely on the results of the completed investigations and the wishes of your ward. I have grown tired of fighting this battle with Andrea’s parents and have no desire to argue with you over this matter or cause you any additional problems, but I feel that my family has not been treated fairly in this process and are prepared present our complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman if these restrictions continue. I would appreciate your prompt response.

Respectfully,

Chris Ansman

Email response from Michael Gutter
Nov 4th, 2015 2:13pm

Your email is very clear. I plan to meet with Ms. Ansman next week.

Email to Michael Gutter
Dec 10th, 2015 11:48am

Mr. Gutter,

On December 3rd a hearing was scheduled in Judge Karem's court for consideration of my application for guardianship of Andrea. That hearing was continued to February 1st, 2016 because you were unable to attend and the lawyer for John and Patrice Hayes asked that the case be continued so that your testimony could be heard. Their lawyer stated that you were going to testify that you believed that John and Patrice should be granted guardianship. This statement was ambiguously confirmed by your stand-in that told the judge, “Mr. Gutter has concerns about Mr. Ansman's application for guardianship”.

Andrea, myself, and our son are disappointed that we now must wait another two months before we can bring closure to this chapter in our lives. I was surprised by the statements made by the Hayes' attorney and your colleague over your preferences and concerns for Andrea's guardianship. When we spoke on November 17th, you asked me if I was reapplying for guardianship and I replied that I was. You then told me that you would make no recommendation between the Hayes and me and that the Cabinet would be “Out of my hair”. I would appreciate clarification on what position, if any, you are taking.

I am unsure why you have taken a favorable position with the Hayes' and an unfavorable position towards Patrick and me. I have always been polite towards you during our limited encounters. I have only requested you to treat us fairly throughout this process by granting us the same privileges you have extended to John and Patrice, but instead my son and I have been been met with the imposed restrictions made at your request. These restrictions are unwarranted and have led to my family not spending Thanksgiving together for the first time, but the Hayes' were permitted to bring Andrea to their home. If you choose to continue these restrictions, my family will be forced to miss Christmas together. I again ask that you put an end to these restrictions and allow my son and me to visit and participate in Andrea's healthcare equally with the Hayes'. We are a family and this is what Andrea wants.

I have also noticed that I have not received any paperwork from the county clerk's office notifying me that Andrea's car has transferred ownership. As I stated previously, I carry the auto insurance on that vehicle, and need to be notified that we are no longer legally responsible to continue that coverage.

Chris Ansman

Looking Back

During the guardianship hearing on February 1st, 2016, Judge Karem would scrutenize Michael Gutter's testimony relating to his decisions not affording me the same opportunities given to Patrice. The judge ordered Michael not only to lift all restrictions he had placed against me, but to give me the first option to transport Andrea to any doctors appointments.

I will always be very appreciative for the fairness and professionalism Judge Karem and Joseph Blandford (Andrea's Guardian ad litem) exhibited throughout this ordeal. I understand, in theory, that justice should be blind, but the reality is rarely that simple.