THRIVING Melanin Family Magazine June 2017: A Father's Love | Page 24

through my daughter. This behavior is also abusive to my daughter, as my daughter wants me just as much as I want her. I’ve had 4 unsuccessful lawyers now and after 4 years of trying to keep the house I bought my “family” to give to my daughter when she becomes an adult, I’m forced to give it back to the bank. Everyday, my rights (per this court order from August 2014) have been violated. For 4 years, the neglect to my daughter; which can be seen through her being diagnosed with vaginitis multiple times and still to this day has an irritated vagina and currently wetting the bed for some unknown reason at this time; and the violations to the court order by her mother, has not been heard, yet the instant my daughter’s mother wants more money, it’s granted. I’ve had to deal with so many people and systems that just seem to not care about my daughter including but not limited to DCFS telling me my daughter’s vaginal issues are normal and there’s no sign of abuse. How many good men have walked away? How many men admit to being abused? How many men just accept being mistreated? How many men sit back and don’t fight for the well being of their children? I’m a good man, was a great “Husband” and a pretty awesome Father. Does this mean it’s OK to take advantage and beat a man like that into the ground? Take his finances and restrict the relationship between him and his child as much as you can? 22 When I started the divorce process and let her be free, I was told by attorneys that the child’s best interest is the main concern for the courts. That’s interesting, as the neglect to my daughter and the violations to the court order have yet to be heard. I’m tired of hurting (yes, men hurt) and I’m tired of being abused (yes, men are abused). However, my fight continues! The Marine in me will not allow me to sit back and let my child suffer and be unhappy. The law enforcement in me cannot justify how I willingly risk my life and help random strangers while my flesh and blood is helpless wondering, “When will I see and talk to my Daddy again?”, “It’s normal my private parts hurt.”, “Consistency is not normal.”, “Changing schools every year is ok.” Not being allowed to call me, as ordered by the courts, because every time we did Skype, crying because she wants to come home to me, is wrong. Using your professional network within the Chicago Public School system to restrict a Father’s involvement with their child, is wrong. Having your best friend as the day care provider to create and maintain a hostile environment in hopes the Father will “lose his cool” while picking his child up, is wrong. I AM a Hero. I AM Gia’s Hero...and will not stop until Gia is free of worry, happy and healthy. Since before birth, she has been mine. It shows by the actions of a parent who a child is loved by and should be with. #SavingGia #RaisingAwareness #FathersMatter THRIVE MAGAZINE