Please help Bowen get his life back

Those of you who know my family, and know Bowen, will be heartbroken to hear his story. But for those of you who don't...

 

Bowen is my 26 year old autistic step-son. Bowen loves all movies, but his passion is Star Wars. He has an unbelievable memory, and can remember the tiniest detail down to the minute it happened. This last year he even became engaged in politics and helped on a few local campaigns. He has been working at Shop Rite for just about 6 years now. He loves his job. He brings joy to everyone around him. To know him is to love him.

 

This past Friday, we got a call no parent would ever want to get. The Shop Rite manager called my husband Frank to advise that Bowen was being arrested for having punched a customer, seemingly unprovoked. We were SHOCKED. He is not violent. Ever. Upon arriving, the customer who he hit claimed to not know Bowen. However, Bowen said that wasn't true. He knew his name. After not saying anything to the police, he was able to quietly tell my husband that this man had been harassing him for over a month. He would seek Bowen out at the store, one time even rubbing his back and whispering to him, "I'll take care of you." He knew the exact days and times that he had been harassing him. The gentleman, in his 50's, would not leave until Bowen was arrested, and so that is what occurred.

 

 

Bowen's life has been completely turned upside down. Not only was he arrested, but he was also fired from a job he was happy at for 6 years. My husband and I are at a loss on how to help him. We just want to try to get him his job back. We have found an attorney and will be getting his union representative involved. But with a house full of kids between the two of us, these were expenses we just hadn't planned for. We do not want to sue anyone; we just want to help get his record expunged and get his job back at Shop Rite.

 

Even if you cannot donate, I please ask that you share this story as much as possible. This sick and deranged individual ruined my step-son's life, and he is out walking free, probably preying on another person who does not know how to help themselves. Parents of children with special needs, and just parents in general - please use this story as a way to caution your children. If something just doesn't FEEL RIGHT, tell someone you trust. Trust your gut.