[35] In July 2007, I imposed a suspended sentence for the mother’s contempt of the 2002 divorce order. See Geremia v. Harb, 2007 CanLII 30750, 40 R.F.L. (6th) 362, [2007] O.J. No. 3019, 2007 CarswellOnt 4956. I was convinced that the mother was truly remorseful. The sentencing hearing had the potential to be a turning point in the relationship between the father and the mother and, almost as important, between the father and the maternal grandparents. At the time that I found the mother guilty of contempt, I indicated that a custodial sentence was probable. Thus, there was great anxiety felt by the mother and her parents[7] leading up to the sentencing hearing. Had the father taken a more noble and forgiving approach, had he, for example, asked the court not to send the mother of his daughter to jail, I believe that his request would have shrunk the rift between both sides from a chasm to a crack, making possible a tolerable peace. Instead, unable to rid himself of his suspicions or anger and disbelieving the expressions of remorse, he asked for a 30-day custodial sentence. What a missed opportunity. That day, all chance was squandered for the child ever to comfortably breathe the name of one of her parents in the presence of the other. As matters now stand, both sides have been emotionally eviscerated and financially flayed. The damage is deep and dateless.
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