Help a Father do the right thing
Donation protected
WHO AM I
I am a poet.
In my poetry, over my career I have written many poems about eventually having children, becoming a father, what that means to me as a man, specifically as a Black man. Some of the dreams were of me talking to my child about their great-grandparents, teaching them how to walk, stand tall, how to be a good person and more. My father was, and still is my Fatherhood Inspiration, setting that bar very high, he is the one from whom I model my perception of what a good father looks like. I want nothing more than to do the same things he did for me, for my child, with interest. In 2017, it seemed like that dream would become a reality. My partner (at the time) and I, became pregnant however this wasn't in my plans. Regardless, to describe the joy I felt in my heart, it was tantamount to a thousand suns being born in that moment! Nothing could have brought me more joy!
I must admit that the would-be mother of my child and I, were not the healthiest couple out there. We had our ups and downs, but my mind possessed a willingness and determination to do everything in my power to work on being the father I always dreamed to be.
The hope for that dream waned as the situation turned into a nightmare. It began when I found out that I was being falsely accused of things I had never done, and I knew that these accusations could potentially lead to me never seeing my child. With no other options or choice, I did the only viable thing and sought legal counsel.
Being a father is a privilege I cherish. Even before my child was born I felt a strong connection, which was reinforced even after the birth and from the first encounter when meeting my baby at 8 months old and onwards. The first time baby pointed me out and called me "Papa". After many days, the next time we had our supervised visit having baby hug me so tightly and fiercely! And at just 14 months old I felt and still feel a deep love and connection between us, like an acknowledgement on baby's part saying "You are my Daddy!". I feel we are truly connected, and even, as strange as it may sound, on a deeply spiritual level. It is because of that connection that I will do everything I can within the confines of the law, to be in my child's life.
WHY I NEED HELP
On top of paying child support, along with regular living expenses, making the payments of my legal fees is proving to be more and more challenging. With the desire to avoid the stereotype of the Black man who abandons his child, the only choice is to continue pursuing the case in court. The legal fees are mounting exponentially, with constant false accusations, summons to return to court habitually, and so on. Much of this is done strategically in order to financially exhaust my resources. If it wasn't for the time constraints on the payments I must make, I know I can pay off my lawyers over time. I work very hard at my day job, am constantly on several projects at the same time, taking multiple jobs whenever possible. I take most opportunities that become available regularly. This is not enough in the short term.
Like most folks out there, this is one of the most difficult positions to be in.
Wanting to take care of all of my parental and fiscal responsibilities, in the face of insurmountable odds. I'm currently paying off a previous balance, but the next leg leading into our anticipated trial this fall is looking to be upwards of $20-25K in legal fees. I gotta be real. I need help. Whatever that may look like - a donation, a share, whatever you're able to do, it'll help. As we say in Jamaican terms "Every mickle, make a muckle" loosely translated, "Every little bit counts".
Thank you.
I am a poet.
In my poetry, over my career I have written many poems about eventually having children, becoming a father, what that means to me as a man, specifically as a Black man. Some of the dreams were of me talking to my child about their great-grandparents, teaching them how to walk, stand tall, how to be a good person and more. My father was, and still is my Fatherhood Inspiration, setting that bar very high, he is the one from whom I model my perception of what a good father looks like. I want nothing more than to do the same things he did for me, for my child, with interest. In 2017, it seemed like that dream would become a reality. My partner (at the time) and I, became pregnant however this wasn't in my plans. Regardless, to describe the joy I felt in my heart, it was tantamount to a thousand suns being born in that moment! Nothing could have brought me more joy!
I must admit that the would-be mother of my child and I, were not the healthiest couple out there. We had our ups and downs, but my mind possessed a willingness and determination to do everything in my power to work on being the father I always dreamed to be.
The hope for that dream waned as the situation turned into a nightmare. It began when I found out that I was being falsely accused of things I had never done, and I knew that these accusations could potentially lead to me never seeing my child. With no other options or choice, I did the only viable thing and sought legal counsel.
Being a father is a privilege I cherish. Even before my child was born I felt a strong connection, which was reinforced even after the birth and from the first encounter when meeting my baby at 8 months old and onwards. The first time baby pointed me out and called me "Papa". After many days, the next time we had our supervised visit having baby hug me so tightly and fiercely! And at just 14 months old I felt and still feel a deep love and connection between us, like an acknowledgement on baby's part saying "You are my Daddy!". I feel we are truly connected, and even, as strange as it may sound, on a deeply spiritual level. It is because of that connection that I will do everything I can within the confines of the law, to be in my child's life.
WHY I NEED HELP
On top of paying child support, along with regular living expenses, making the payments of my legal fees is proving to be more and more challenging. With the desire to avoid the stereotype of the Black man who abandons his child, the only choice is to continue pursuing the case in court. The legal fees are mounting exponentially, with constant false accusations, summons to return to court habitually, and so on. Much of this is done strategically in order to financially exhaust my resources. If it wasn't for the time constraints on the payments I must make, I know I can pay off my lawyers over time. I work very hard at my day job, am constantly on several projects at the same time, taking multiple jobs whenever possible. I take most opportunities that become available regularly. This is not enough in the short term.
Like most folks out there, this is one of the most difficult positions to be in.
Wanting to take care of all of my parental and fiscal responsibilities, in the face of insurmountable odds. I'm currently paying off a previous balance, but the next leg leading into our anticipated trial this fall is looking to be upwards of $20-25K in legal fees. I gotta be real. I need help. Whatever that may look like - a donation, a share, whatever you're able to do, it'll help. As we say in Jamaican terms "Every mickle, make a muckle" loosely translated, "Every little bit counts".
Thank you.
Organizer
Kym Dominique-Ferguson
Organizer
Montréal-Nord, QC
