My Dad Is a Hero

by Gabriel Red Thunder

I don't remember a time when I did not live with my dad. I remember after kindergarten had started, he walked me to school everyday. He was the room parent. One day, I wanted to walk to school by myself. I remember him sneaking behind me, hiding behind trash cans in alleys, just to make sure I got there ok, and to make me think I had done it all by myself.

When we left California when I was five. I lived with my dad. We just went camping and bicycle racing, and then all of a sudden we were fugitives. It was scary, but I trusted my dad. I had already won my first national and international race. So we just kept on going, racing and camping and fishing. There were a lot of Dads across the country who helped us. It is always sad for a child who has just one parent. Even when that one parent is the best parent in the world. My mom has only come to see me once in the last 10 years. I forgive her, and I love her unconditionally.

My dad and I don't have much money. We do have each other. Because of our fugitive life, and because my dad has had many heart troubles, we learned that we should always tell each other we love each other each time we part. I grew up coming home from school and our house would smell of my dad's famous homemade banana nut bread, or his blueberry muffins. My house has always been very popular with my friends, and many of them still talk to my dad more than their own parents.

(page continues below)

remember, FatherMag.com now comes in two editions:
Home Life   <-|->  Home Strife

Now about this California deal. It is stupid beyond imagination. My dad is not the criminal. The State of California is guilty of child abuse. My dad has taught me I can sue them all, and I am going to. My dad is not who these people have to worry about with a lawsuit. It is me. Don't I deserve one Christmas while I am still legally a child where we are not fighting them? That they think they are going to sentence him to prison is absurd. Do they think I need him less now that I am nearly ready to go to college?

I have had the same dog and cat for over 10 years. I am an honor student, and a former national and international champion bicycle racer. I had to quit competing because of a warrant Nevada County, California obtained for me. The next day I was taken into custody in Wyoming and told I was being taken from my dad and being flown to authorities in Nevada County, California. It scared the heck out of me, but my dad said he would be right behind me and get me from the cops. He did, too!! I really knew he would. That warrant was left out for me from October, 1987 until February, 1996. So I ask you Nevada County, how much is a childhood worth??? You are going to find out. I will never forget you. You child abuser.

My dad is not a criminal for having raised me, when I had no one else. Where would I be without my dad? My dad is my hero. And I love him. Many other people do, too! This has all made him a little crazy around the edges. It gives him character! He really is the (rabid) junk yard pit bull. He has had to be.

Dad, I know you spent fathers' day in jail this year, so no one else has to do what we had to do. You are my hero, dad, I love you.