I've heard Ruth talk about the reunion with the grandchildren several times now but was sad to hear confirmation from Phil that the Markel's were not permitted to attend Ben's Bar Mitzvah ceremony after all.
Previously, I understood the Markel's were invited to Benjamin's Bar Mitzvah ceremony but were not invited to the reception following. At the time, it also seemed reasonable that the event was canceled and would be rescheduled due to CA's recent arrest. But to now learn from Phil that the ceremony took place on the original date, and the Markel invite to the ceremony essentially rescinded, is punitive!
More recently during CA's trial, Ruth spoke about having a scheduled visit with the grandsons this month, December (many speculated this might be Lincoln's Bar Mitzvah). I pray that whatever the event, the visit will indeed happen, without interruption.
While I understand there's heightened interest about any contact with the grandsons, I respect Ruth is probably walking on eggshells with WA (even before DA was arrested), and is sensitive to anything she says publicly, giving WA cause to pull the rug out from under her.
Seeing DA incarcerated and facing the reality that this could be forever, I'd like to think the mother would put the interests of her only children above her own own here and facilitate contact with Ruth -- their only grandmother enjoying freedom. Well, guess no harm in dreaming.