Dear Christine,
I am a father, an avid reader of THE NATION, and I thank you for giving good advice to all who read your newspaper.
Right now my life is a mess. I have been living from place to place and have so much trouble getting a job. Two years ago I was arrested for not paying child support. Since then [because of that record] no one wants to hire me and life is hard.
I am staying at a friend’s who didn’t really want me to stay in their home. However, I pleaded with them for help but had to agree to find a job as this person was not working. My family does not want me at home so I am like a homeless person.
I have tried to live a life free of drugs, and women, as I have children I cannot support. I go to church because of this friend and I have grown to be a better person in the last two years.
I have changed but my problem still remains – no job, no money, no permanent place to live and I can’t support my children.
Christine, I was unfairly charged and sent to prison for a child my mum takes care of. This child has lived with us from the age of three months and the mother has never supported him; she never even wanted him.
He would constantly ask about her and now he is older he knows she gave him away. This has him very sad. She has never called or visited him and he is unhappy because he also has a brother, who is my son.
I have not seen him in years and yet she wants me to support him. All this is upsetting and unfair. I tried to tell this to the magistrate but he never listened to me. I had no attorney and so I was hunted down and eventually lost my job as a result of running. I am now homeless, as my mom could not afford to pay her rent and had to move. No one in the family wants to help me because of my past.
My mom now has my son with her at a family member’s. I hardly see him as I usually have no bus fare. I am only able to give him a few snacks when I get work a day or two.
I have mowed lawns, painted houses, worked as a gardener, did minor construction jobs, and I service stoves. I do any little job to make a dollar. At times I am so sad and depressed that I wonder what’s the use of going on with my life.
I tried to get security work but when I presented my certificate of character, I got no call back.
Sometimes I feel like going back to my old ways so I could make money to support my children and myself but I don’t want to be locked up again. As such, I beg my friends, but some people treat you as nothing and carry you on like a dog.
I am hoping someone who needs a loyal and dedicated person to work as a security guard, a steward, porter, handyman, construction worker, painter or gardener will give me a chance. I would be most grateful. Thank you, Christine!
– DESPERATE DAD
Dear Desperate Dad,
One of the hardest things any parent, and particularly any caring dad can experience is knowing he cannot support his children. I understand your pain and frustration but do not give up hope. Do not allow your past to determine your future. We have all made some bad choices and mistakes in life, but we do not have to pay for these throughout our entire lifetime.
On your behalf, I am asking anyone who is willing to give you the opportunity to do an honest day’s work so you can support your children. They can contact 430-5470 with any offers. Hang in there!
– CHRISTINE