Her two children are ages six and three, yet are required to stay thousands of miles away in France.
Kelly Rutherford has suffered a mother’s worst nightmare, as during a bitter divorce with former husband David Giersch, custody has been given to the father who lives across an ocean.
The 44-year-old actress is still fighting for the right for her children to grow up in the United States, where they were born, and on Saturday morning, she revelled in a few very precious moments with her six-year-old son Hermes.
The Gossip Girl actress shared breakfast with her little one at Sant Ambroeus on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Outside after their meal, as the sun rose higher into the sky, the mother held her boy close to her and their matching blonde hair glowed in the morning rays.
Kelly tenderly kissed her son on the cheek and youngster Hermes clung to his mother with all the strength of his arms and legs – both of them holding onto a rare moment together in the States.
Keeping their heads pressed together, the mother-son duo made their way across the street.
The beautiful pair both wore light denim trousers and warm layers on top, looking as if they belong side by side.
Though they were clearly soaking up what time they had together that morning, Kelly wore the heartache of not having her children at home in America on her face.
The actress’ worst fear came true when Judge Theresa Beaudet said that in order to share custody, the children should live with David abroad and that Kelly could visit them when she wasn’t working.
The judge gave custody to the
businessman as it was her opinion that Kelly had repeatedly tried to cut
her ex-husband out their children's lives.
Kelly, who has been required to fly
overseas for visitation as a result, said to Dateline in October last
year: 'Why would you take the kids away from their mother, out of their
school, away from their friends and everything they've known, and plant
them somewhere else?'
'It's hard to even believe it's real,' she added. 'I was on a plane three weekends a month.
'I'm being punished for being a good mother and taking care of my children, and he's being rewarded for having his visa revoked. Our kids are US citizens and they have a right to be raised in the US.’
But the New York-based star has vowed to appeal, saying that she has drained her earnings to pay off legal bills - and must keep working to afford the fight.
Kelly Rutherford has suffered a mother’s worst nightmare, as during a bitter divorce with former husband David Giersch, custody has been given to the father who lives across an ocean.
The 44-year-old actress is still fighting for the right for her children to grow up in the United States, where they were born, and on Saturday morning, she revelled in a few very precious moments with her six-year-old son Hermes.
A sweet embrace: Kelly Rutherford reunited with her six-year-old son Hermes over breakfast in New York City on Saturday
Outside after their meal, as the sun rose higher into the sky, the mother held her boy close to her and their matching blonde hair glowed in the morning rays.
Kelly tenderly kissed her son on the cheek and youngster Hermes clung to his mother with all the strength of his arms and legs – both of them holding onto a rare moment together in the States.
Love of a mother: The 44-year-old actress and her son clung to each other as they shared a few precious moments together
Family first: Kelly showered her son with affection, and both of them reveled in their time together
The beautiful pair both wore light denim trousers and warm layers on top, looking as if they belong side by side.
Though they were clearly soaking up what time they had together that morning, Kelly wore the heartache of not having her children at home in America on her face.
The actress’ worst fear came true when Judge Theresa Beaudet said that in order to share custody, the children should live with David abroad and that Kelly could visit them when she wasn’t working.
Moment in the sun: The two's blonde hair lit up against the morning rays as mother Kelly held her six-year-old son
'It's hard to even believe it's real,' she added. 'I was on a plane three weekends a month.
'I'm being punished for being a good mother and taking care of my children, and he's being rewarded for having his visa revoked. Our kids are US citizens and they have a right to be raised in the US.’
But the New York-based star has vowed to appeal, saying that she has drained her earnings to pay off legal bills - and must keep working to afford the fight.
Picture perfect: The mother-son duo were happy to be with each other, wearing similar ensembles for their New York morning