:25:00
And it was only after I got
to California that I realized...
:25:05
...after getting into therapy,
that I wasn't a terrible person.
:25:11
And just because I needed some kind
of creative or emotional outlet...
:25:16
...other than my child,
that didn't make me unfit.
:25:20
I would like to submit in evidence
a report by Mrs. Kramer's therapist...
:25:24
...Dr. Eleanor Freedman.
:25:25
Objection, Your Honor.
:25:27
The report is irrelevant
and not binding on the respondent.
:25:30
Overruled.
:25:33
Can you tell the court why
you are asking for custody?
:25:38
Because he's my child...
:25:40
...and because I love him.
:25:44
I know I left my son.
:25:48
I know that
that's a terrible thing to do.
:25:54
Believe me, I have to live with that
every day of my life.
:25:58
But in order to leave him...
:26:00
...I had to believe it was
the only thing I could do...
:26:05
...and that it was
the best thing for him.
:26:08
I was incapable of functioning
in that home.
:26:11
And I didn't know...
:26:13
...what the alternative was...
:26:15
...so I thought it was not best
that I take him with me.
:26:18
However, I have since
gotten some help...
:26:22
...and I have worked very, very hard
to become a whole human being.
:26:29
I don't think I should be
punished for that.
:26:33
I don't think my little boy
should be punished.
:26:37
Billy's only 7 years old.
:26:40
He needs me.
:26:42
I'm not saying he doesn't
need his father...
:26:46
...but I really believe
he needs me more.
:26:50
I was his mommy
for five and a half years...
:26:55
...and Ted took over that role
for 18 months.