Exactly five years ago yesterday, at about this exact same time, I took my then pregnant and then wife, Sara to Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina. She had been complaining of contractions for a few hours and knew it was time to go. After several grueling hours (well, only about 6 or 7), we were the proud parents of a beautiful new baby boy, Austin William. For the very first time, he had witnessed the odd sensation of dryness, the sound of his own screams, and the wondrous glow of flourescent lighting.
It’s sad to say, but this would be the first and (so far) the last time that Austin and his beloved and devoted daddy would be together on his birthday. Neither of us suspected that 10 months later, his mother would unilaterally decide to tear us apart.
July 22, 2006 Austin and I have only been able to be together every other Sunday for two measly hours at third-party family community center where our visits are supervised. I broke my foot/heel a few weeks ago and have been hobbling around on crutches ever since. I have also been staying with my parents in Rockford, IL for most of the summer here. They very gracisoulsy frove me up to Minnesota last Sunday in order for me to be able to spend time with Austin. I was able to bring him a couple really cool new toys, (a Thomas electric train track and a Cars electronic learning toy). He loved them both and it kept us occuppied for the entire time. I know that the arrangement we have is pathetic and I am working as hard as I can to get things changed, but it’s just going to take some time, effort, and money. (In addition to having to take Sara back to court, I’ll probably also be suing Hennepin County for mishandling our custody evaluation — I’ve got the evidence to prove it, too, which I’ll be posting in separate posts on this and other blogs). In the meantime, if anyone would like to send my baby boy birthday wishes either through an electronic card or whatever, he can be reached via his mother’s email address at: Sarae624@gmail.com or snail mail at: 13608 Fernando Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124. (It doesn’t matter whether you know him or not! I just know he would love it!). For those reading this, take care and God bless!!
Austin – 12-17-2010