Monday, December 23, 2013: Christmas is supposed to be about being with friends and family. Spending time with those you love. When Adriana Coronel Tenorio (AKA Adriana Howitt Coronel, Ari Coronel, Ari Coronel Tenorio, Ari Howitt, Ari Howitt Coronel) and I were together in better times, some of the best Christmas holidays I ever had were actually in Mexico. That week before with all the posadas 2-3 times a day was something else.
Fast forward to Christmas 2008, 6-weeks after Samantha’s abduction and not a word from Adriana. She had no intention of letting Samantha spend one second with her real Dad on Christmas. Christmas 2008 and 2009 were Christmas’ spent without Samantha. I cannot even describe what that felt like unless you understand what I have gone through as a left-behind parent. The feeling of being so helpless and the never ending feelings of despair on this holiday wore on me like a wet blanket.
From a child’s perspective, Samantha has been denied the love of her other family. She’s been denied the opportunity to be doted upon by people who love, adore and cherish her just the same. Who does that to a child? Adriana, Maria Guadalupe Tenorio Toledano (AKA Lupita Tenorio, Marsha Tenorio) and Isaias Palomeque (AKA Isaias Uzziel Palomeque, Isaias Palomeque Vergara, Project Manager at DJO Global), that’s who.
Don’t take your kids for granted. Give them extra hugs and kisses this holiday season. Love them like no other. Happy Holidays.
