This Will Make You Think

I'm currently knee-deep in preparations for two looming court appearances. It's a personal matter, and one that I feel extremely passionate about.

It's no secret that our society views violence by women against men in a completely different light than the reverse. As evidenced in a viral video, when a man hits a woman, good Samaritans rush to the woman's aid, as they should. But when the roles are reversed, bystanders smirk and jeer, assuming that the man must have provoked the attack. No one rushes to help him.

Shocking statistics reveal that violence against men accounts for a staggering 40% of all reported incidents of domestic violence, and that number is likely much higher due to the stigma and shame surrounding male victims. It's a pervasive attitude that will take generations to shift, much like the fight for women's liberation in the workplace. While women had to work harder to prove themselves competent, men face a similar uphill battle when it comes to domestic violence. It's time for attitudes to change.

Two Little People

The arrival of my two little people at six in the evening today has brought my writing to an abrupt halt. For the next 48 hours, my mind, body and soul will be consumed by the unapologetic domination of my children. It's a feeling of overwhelming joy that I have been looking forward to for weeks, after the agony of separation from them in a prison cell, just fourteen days ago. The memory of our reunion earlier is etched into my mind and heart forever. Every second of their presence is a precious gift that I will cherish deeply.

Initially, I started writing out of necessity, to document the events that were unfolding before me. I had no idea that it would become a source of comfort for me, and hopefully for others too. Though the experience was far from pleasant, with time, I can already see that it has been a positive one. My hope is that it might offer solace and guidance to other fathers (and mothers) in similar situations.

To my surprise, my writing has been receiving a lot of attention, with over a thousand hits in just a week. It seems that someone, somewhere, is following along with bated breath. I have two more instalments to share with you, though for now, they are nothing but scribbles on the back of prison induction leaflets.

So, dear reader, I bid you farewell for now. I will return next week with the conclusion of my story. In the meantime, savour your freedom, and make the most of the time you have with those you love.

Part 1 - Incarceration

Part 2 - 56 Days

Never Give Up

On September 29th, a glimmer of hope shone through the bleakness of recent days. As I stepped out of my abode, the scent of fresh air enveloped me, and the promise of a new day filled me with a sense of well-being. For the first time in a long while, I was reacquainted with the beauty of each day and its boundless potential.

As I sauntered up the road, I encountered a familiar homeless man, whom I had seen many times before. Despite his repeated requests for money, I had always been unable to assist him, as I, too, was in dire straits. Nevertheless, his persistent pursuit of my help touched my heart, and I longed to extend a helping hand.

I stopped in my tracks and turned back, offering the destitute man a five-pound note. As we sat down on the pavement together, a moment of understanding and shared experience ensued. He confided in me that he was not a drug addict, but rather someone who had once lived a life similar to my own. However, he had lost everything, and his current situation was a result of that tragedy.

During our conversation, we both acknowledged the pain of being subjected to disapproving looks from passers-by. Yet, our human connection and the ability to share our experiences with each other was worth far more than any amount of money.

On that fateful day, I learned that never giving up can lead to extraordinary moments of connection and understanding.