Always thinking of our Alienated Daughter and everything we are all missing out on. 
It wasn't until May 2014 that I shared this with my wife. She and 3 of our girls were with me of course, along with my sister Jackie and my niece Jasmine, but I didn't want to ruin the moment for them. It was New years Eve after all and we were in Time's Square. Why ruin a memorable and joyous event by reminding everyone that our family is not complete? 
I wanted the last year to end on a happy note and the new one to start with one as well and try to forget for a moment that I have a daughter who isn't allowed to love me or my side of the family. 
But I can't forget. I miss her so much. But I hurt for her and what she is going through. 
I wanted her to know that I am always thinking about her and that we connected on this special night.
Even though our daughter, my best friend, is alienated and couldn't be with me in Times Square on New Years Eve to watch the ball drop and ring in the new year something I always dreamed about doing with her, we will always have this special moment. In my mind, in my heart, and in some special place, somehow she was with me and we shared this. 
Happy New Year Best Friend!
Click Click!

"MACHETE" actor caught up in this mess.
During our Road Trip we did interviews of people coming in and out of court houses. You won't believe what happened during one of those interviews. Or maybe you will.

In the winter of 2013, my wife and I took our family to New York City to scratch "Ice skating in Rockefeller Center" off of our Bucket List. It was me, my wife, and our three girls, Malia, Jaida and Sophie. It was amazing, a beautiful evening. My daughter, Megan was supposed to be with us. I think about her all the time even as I am smiling and enjoying our girls, our family, our life. Its all good. In the back of mind, though, I am always aware that something is not right. That something is missing. That things are not the way they should be.
 I wanted to reach out somehow, in some way. At the same time, I didn't want to mention my daughter's name in front of our girls. They were, as kids often are, so in-the-moment. They were just happy to be where they were. I didn't want to remind them that our family wasn't complete. I took an opportunity as they were at the far side of the rink to make a short video clip for my alienated daughter. I could only tell her that I love her and I miss her before I had to stop to keep from breaking down--something I have become quite good at. 
I miss my best friend but more than that I feel for her soul because I know it is being tortured. I couldn't send the video clip to her. 
When my babies skated back around I smiled at them, waved, and continued taking pictures.