Good afternoon everybody, I’m glad to see that the page has been found by a few fellow ponders. Just a warning today’s post is gonna be less pond oriented for once. I found this bizarre new story and I thought I’d just throw it out into the pond for you all to feed on.
Earlier this week David Ostrom, a 40 year old man from Paola, Kansas requested to the Shelby County Iowa District Court in Harlan, Iowa to “grant his motion for trial by combat” (USA Today). He is currently in a custody battle after separation from his ex-wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, that through combat he hopes to settle. He wishes to meet Mrs. Ostrom and her attorney Matthew Hudson “on the field of battle where [he] will rend their souls from their corporeal bodies”. His wish however has rightfully been fought by Mr. Hudson due to the possibility of fatal repercussions. However, no decision has been made.
I personally find Mr. Ostrom’s request brave and inventive but also simply ridiculous. His hopes to meet “Mr. Hudson’s absurdity with [his] own absurdity,” is well, frankly absurd (haha). I mean, in my personal opinion you should not have to engage in sword to sword combat with your ex-wife over who gets to see the kid more. I live a more passive lifestyle, I like to see where the wind will take things so this violence just does not sit well with me. It seems uncivil and impractical.
I agree with the ex-wife’s lawyer’s plea to suspend Ostrom’s visitation rights and have him psychologically evaluated. This seems appropriate, possibly his imagination has gone too far. I am usually a man that enjoys letting things happen as they will, but Mr. Ostrom’s plea seems too dangerous for this matter. Let the kid decide. Just a thought, but maybe accidentally killing their mom won’t improve the relationship between you and your child. As a humble ponder with 3 kids, I think that it is fair and good to allow my children to decide instead of choosing for them through muddy legal dispute. It is very unlikely that you will never see your child again if they were to choose against you. I still see my children plenty, and I have the koi pond to keep my mind well.
To quote Mr. Hudson, the possibility of fatality or harm“…likely outweigh those of property tax and custody issues.” It seems far too dangerous to dual with someone because they have “…ruined [your] life” through this divorce. I mean come on man. Just move on. Stop trying to prolong this battle. Get a hobby like any lonely divorcee’ does. May I suggest one that does not relate to katana wielding, maybe tai chi, or chess, or pottery, or gambling, or anything other than sword fighting. Even a koi pond will do. Learning all the different breeds and values of your new found infatuation will fill the void in your heart that has been left by your ex-wife.
Koi Lovers Paradise 