As with many kids anymore, our indestructible family went our separate ways in 2003 when my youngest son and daughter were just starting elementary school. Always happy, somewhere down the road, his good nature began to change and his self-esteem plummeted and he acted out, very hostile at times. His mother called me in September of 2010 to come get him as she had enough. Punched another hole in the wall. He was 12. He'ss been with me ever since, The picture above is a composite I made for him when he came.
Physical abuse by his older brother to keep him in line allowed by his mother coupled with neglect. Post-concussion sydrome was a result. He's been diagnosed with ADD which has him stumbling upon inattentiveness and the lack of empathy left him with an incredible loss of self-worth that he still struggles with.
6 months later, Mom wanted him back; she "retained" him on weekend, he missed his finals, we went to court and I was awarded custody of both he and my daughter Nikki in July 2011. Mom took it as a personal affront and alienated both fo 2 years.
In November 2011, my teaching position ended and went on UI. No child support and limited funds had us move into a "family commune" of sorts. Out of work and stress caught up and I collapsed in March of 2012 with an intracerebral bleed and was inthe hospital 6 weeks. Lost 1/3 of my vision.
In 2013, Mom became reignited towards motherhood and began paying child support. For two months and the past repeated itself as it often does. In February this year she kept him again. His brother came out and left me with a post-concussion syndrome. Kept my son in Stockholm syndrome for three months. Went back to court where the judge proceeded to award her custudy. That changed quickly after my 20 minute objection and oratory on domestic violence and awarding custody on entitlement, etc, He came back with me that day.
He has lost faith and trust; my daughter hardly talks to me-no job, living at home, etc. My son is son far behind in school he doen't care. Then, last month we hit a winner.
I was asked to assume the position of Director of Perfoming Arts-hard work but a future my son needs. As Director, our first production is HAIR! My son is excited (I'm working) and we hit the ground running and told him it was his to go with. We have the local arts community excited, my son wants to help backstage, something to do together and he is enrolled in school.
We have the License Agreement, have the community asking for auditions and we have a date for October 21-24.
Suddenly, my cash flow is in escrow and I can't withdraw and money and the deposit must be paid this week!!!!.. The budget for the show is about average...$13000.00 which includes the $2500 royalty and $3000 theater rental (too steep). So the future is there at the gate but now we need funds. School starting, etc,, plus losing this show would make it very tough to run with the next. I'm running things on the side and my son will help with set and my Music Director is fantastic. Whatever you could do for help, thank you. The goal is $200 this week, please. Then we can start rehearsals. If my money is released for my personal I'll do it.
Thank you so much,
