Greetings to all. I realized that some may be reading this story from a site other than from my book web site, so a small introduction is in order.
Go to my web site at www.authorsden.com/robertdavis and you may read my story. At that point you'll understand this story. The photo you see is the subject matter.
I spent 22 years on the run as a fugitive. Through those years I spent time living in the forest and woods, residing "undercover" in various cities, and basically was a nomad and drifter living a lie. I left New Orleans in 1979, and didn't surrendered until 2001. Yes, I voluntarily surrendered.
Upon my surrender to the District Attorney's Office, I was accompanied by family members who hadn't saw me in 22 years. Eventually the presiding Judge felt that I had essentially jailed myself; and release me, taking a huge chance. I have personally thanked that Judge and she was very happy to receive a copy of "Running Scared" and that I through the years validated her "taking a chance".
Upon my freedom, I had fathered a number of children through various relationships, and had made a promise to myself and God that if I ever was a free man, I would do whatever that was in my power to locate my children. My goal wasn't necessarily to re-enter their lives, as I knew that more than likely they would have been reared by other fathers.
And even if they weren't, more than likely they wouldn't necessarily desire to meet me; a father who had abandoned them! My goal then? That they would know each other and know the source/legacy of their other siblings.
I'm happy to report that I was able to locate all of them. And none had the great hate for me that I deserve. In fact, one of my sons was trying to locate me!
I learned while I was on the run, that he and his mother knew I was a fugitive, as his mother shared the details with him. So upon my return, I learned that he was seeking me.
We first spoke by telephone, which was fine with me because I was more nervous than he was. We were only one a one hour drive from each other. His conservation was calm, deliberate, and "oddly" not a lot of questions like why this, what happen here, etc.
Now fast forward; I just had to move in the city he resided in. We met at his home and didn't even say hello, but just embraced. I met his wife and other family members. What astounded me is he wasn't bitter, but just happy to meet his "Dad". His wife was a charm!
Even today, he doesn't worry about the past, but living in the now. He sees and call me his Dad, even though I'm don't deserve it. But guess what, I'll take it. Thank you son....I love you.
Very fascinating! Reading through the story, I kept imagining how life turns out. I suppose the Author Davies never figured out as a teenager or a police officer that life will take an awkward curve, but I just see how God takes the mess in our lives and makes a message.
From reading your brief description on your author's page, I can see why you are conflicted with the dualistic behavior practiced by many police and your amazing run of 22 years.
While having relationships with several women myself, I never had a child. It's hard for me to forgive someone who leaves children behind in their wake, but I will try to understand given the circumstances. While working in black institutions and police departments, I learned that being black and being poor or both weeks to all kinds of problems that the white population isn't exposed to.
I'm certainly glad that your son has welcomed you with open arms and without blame. That's wonderful.
We can't let past mistakes rule our present. You learned that over the process of 22 years. Hopefully you have made a contribution to society by helping others realize that it is never to late to turn over a "new leaf."
Raised on Black and White TV is Carol Denise Mitchell’s intimate, unflinching memoir of growing up in a world where television became both a refuge and a mirror. Through the glow of classic black‑and‑white programs, she learned about fami
Boom! Pain! Blackness!
After an RPG attack on their barracks in Afghanistan, corpsmen, Amber Fox, Luke Owens , Wade Scott and Ross Miller wake up in an Army hospital in Germany.
Thus, begins a months long recovery for all of them. A