The mother of my son died recently. Her mother (his grandmother) has our boy and will not let us see each other. We need help hiring the best lawyer we can find! ——————————————————————— Many of you know me, and many of you know this story already, at least in part: ——————————————————————— Hello, my name is John (Johnny) Burtle. I have always known that I am meant to be a father and on Jan 20, 2019 that dream came true! Owen was born at U of M hospital. He needed immediate medical care and had to stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for about a month after being born. Owen’s mom was afraid that I was going to try and take Owen away from her, so she asked the hospital not to give me any information before, during, or after the birth. I did not find out that he was born until January 25 (5 days later). I was overwhelmed with the flood of emotions that I felt. I was aware of the complications with the pregnancy and I was overjoyed to hear that he was OK! I still however, was not allowed to see him. A week later his mom said that I could come visit, but only under certain conditions. I could not tell anyone that I was his father. She would not allow me to sign the birth certificate and I could only be there for a brief period of time. She allowed me to visit 3 times in the month that he was there, each time with the same conditions. I continued to ask to be added to the birth certificate and step up to be the dad that I know I can be. Each time I was turned down and pushed away. The last time I was allowed to see Owen was for a half hour on Fathers Day 2019. I asked about the birth certificate and she left. She blocked my phone and blocked me on all social media. I would never have tried to keep her out of Owens life, and I knew that these feelings of hers would pass. I knew that the fear would subside if I could just be patient and compassionate. I chose that route and I waited. I reached out through mutual friends and family whenever I could, but she needed time. On June 25th I got news that Owens mom had died. I heard from a friend that saw her obituary on the internet. I was floored. Owen was staying with his mom at his grandmothers house. I reached out to Grandma to offer condolences and to speak with her about Owen. She would not talk to me and told me that Owen would never be a part of my life and that I need to just move on. I could not accept that. I knew she was grieving so I gave her a little time and reached out again. She had blocked my phone number too! At this point I decided to hire a lawyer. I have since found one. He is very good but he is also very expensive. I immediately drained my bank account and got some help from my family and we paid the retainer. The costs continue to pile up though. Early estimates put the cost of a this paternity/custody matter at $10,000. If Owen’s grandmother continues to fight and be evasive that cost could go significantly higher. I came to Ann Arbor to become part of the recovery community in 2017. Since then I have learned the value of community, and of standing together. I learned what it feels like to care deeply about other people and to act accordingly. I also learned how to ask for help. That is what I am doing now. I am asking for help. If you can spare any amount to put towards the lawyer fees, court costs, and expenses, you would be doing a great service to Owen, to myself, and to the rest of his family. Any money raised will go directly towards reuniting Owen and me. If by some miracle we raise more than is needed, the money will be used to prepare for Owens future. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I love every one of you.