Sunday, June 15, 2014: Happy Father’s Day to all the good fathers out there making a difference in their kid’s lives. It cannot be understated how important father’s are in children’s development. So, a tip of the cap to those who are engaged and making a difference with the next generation. My life changed forever when Samantha was born in May 2006. Two and a half years later in November 2008, it was turned upside down when Adriana Coronel Tenorio (AKA Adriana Howitt Coronel, Ari Coronel, Ari Coronel Tenorio, Ari Howitt, Ari Howitt Coronel) had abducted Samantha in such a cold and calculating way.
You have been reading about the epic battle waged to bring this ugly situation to a peaceful conclusion here. Blessed with amazing friends, I had given all of them permission to pull my head out of my ass when I need it most, especially when I don’t recognize it. As Samantha’s abduction went from days, to months to years these amazing people have done just that and I am forever grateful. You all know who you are. Too many to name here, but someday I will.
One of the lessons that was difficult to understand is that we are all on this journey called life. No two journey’s are the same, nor should they be treated that way. Over our lifetimes our journey crosses paths with thousands of others. Some good influences, some bad. Some are a mix of both. For some reason, knowing this and owning it are completely different things. Finally I owned it. Finally. I cannot pinpoint the exact moment this past week when the light bulb went off. It’s something I have been working on for years, literally. I have to thank my close friends. I have to thank the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brother & sisterhood. All of you have been a tremendous influence on me as well.
Suffice it to say, this website is not going away. I’m not allowing Adriana off the hook by any stretch. Adriana is on her own journey, she has to deal with her own demons in her own way. At the same time, let’s find a more constructive way to shine a spotlight on the ever growing epidemic of parental child abduction. It happens everywhere, and the statistics are alarming. The effects it has on parents like me, who have had their child and/or children ripped away from then in such a viscous manner is one thing. Adults have the coping mechanisms to deal. Children, on the other hand, have not developed the coping mechanisms at this stage of their lives. Adriana, if you think this situation has not affected Samantha in any way shape or form, you are severely misinformed. You need to look no further than the conversation we had yesterday to see the affects this situation has had on our beautiful Samantha. There is no reason why this situation cannot have a happy, positive and healthy ending. I LOVE YOU SAM!
