You are born in a country with breathtaking beauty. At five years old life is good. You live with your mother on a small island and you have relatives, including uncles, who are good role models for you. You don’t know your father’s story.
When you are seven, unfriendly people start coming around. They are bothering your mother. Later in life you will look back and remember your mother as good, maybe as even spoiling you a bit.
Your mother has heard stories of how other little children are taken by these bad people. She decides to move from the beautiful Island to a country where she thinks you will be safe.
You are nine years old. You don’t want to leave everything you know but you are obedient to your mother.
Your mother is a hard worker and finds work quickly in the new country. You are staying in a hotel. You and your mother have only been in the new country two weeks. Your mother is at work when, suddenly, police officers storm the hotel and forcefully remove you. You never find out the real reason that you were taken.
Imagine…..
You are taken to a terrible place and you are locked in a dark bedroom. Afraid, you start screaming and crying. Adults threaten to beat you if you are not quiet. You look out the key hole all night just to see some light. Here, you will be beaten for not brushing teeth the right way. Moved to a different and larger place, you are put in a school that is very big. The language is different. Still scared and not understanding the language, the bullies of the school target you. You fight back, get expelled, and get moved again.
Now, you think you are in hell. Physical and sexual abuse are common in this new place.
Your mother comes and tries to rescue you. You are eleven when you find out that you have a new little sister. You tell your mother about some of the abuse during visitations but, of course, you don’t mention the sexual abuse.
Your mother is finally successful and is able to get you back. It is wonderful but inside you feel dirty. You feel like your life has been ruined. You are angry and your mother has a difficult time controlling you. You are moved away from your mother again and placed in a foster home. You never find out why you have been moved away from your mother for the second time. You are not placed with loving relatives who may have gladly taken care of you in the country with the beautiful Island. It is not even considered.
Imagine…..
You are now a teenager and you understand that your foster parents don’t love you. You are simply a tool for them to make money so that they can have their own family. The anger continues to build in your heart. As soon as the home they are building is complete and they have their own baby, you are thrown out. Two others are thrown out with you.
You are moved to another “institution.” You have come to hate these places. At 16, you are kicked out and the bad people pay for your own apartment.
You are very excited to have your “freedom.” However, years of neglect and anger have its effect.
You make bad decisions, wind up in jail, and receive an 18 month sentence. You are then “sold” into a new foster family. You now understand that your only importance is for others to profit off of your life. The anger continues to build. This foster home is like most of the others. It is not a happy place and the marriage ends in divorce.
You are 18. About this time, you find out that your mother became a heavy drinker after you were taken by the cruel people. You also hear the sad news that your mother has fallen out of a window and died.
You have little respect for authority figures and wind up in and out of trouble. You become involved in criminal gangs and drugs. You spend more time in jail. In jail, you notice that many of those serving time have a story similar to yours. Later, you will discover that the majority of those who are taken from a loving family end up in the same situation.
In 2004, you are sent back to the country with the beautiful Island. You are almost 30. Despite all of the money “spent on you” by the bad people (you now know they are called the Barnevernet), you know that no one really cares. You have been sent back to your country to complete a prison sentence.
When released, you finally find a place where you are excepted. You join the motorcycle gang that respects your abilities. They become the first family you have known since you were taken by the Barnevernet of Denmark when you were nine.
Imagine…..
You meet a beautiful young lady and fall in love. She becomes pregnant with your child. For months you prepare for the coming of this child. Everything is ready, even the crib. The nightmare that has been your life for over 30 years is over.
Your daughter is born on January 13th, 2015 at 10:53 am. You have never experienced such joy. Memories of your own childhood return. You now have your own family. You realize that you have made mistakes in the past and take responsibility for them. You are determined that your daughter will have a better life than you have experienced. You leave your past behind. You will be better than those who have wronged you.
Your daughter is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen, equaling and possibly even surpassing the beauty of her mother. She is much more beautiful than anything in the beautiful land you remember growing up in. You name her Aria.
Imagine…
After only two days in the hospital, the Barnevernet comes to the hospital and takes Aria away. The nightmare is not over; it has only become worse. The anger that has been stilled during the days of waiting for the birth of your daughter returns stronger than ever.
Aria’s mother and Aria are reunited and sent to a “home” for observation. You are not allowed to have any contact with them.
Aria is taken from her mother by Norway’s Barnevernet on January 22nd, 2015. She is not even 10 days old.
You ask for a reason for such cruel and evil treatment.
Imagine…..
You are given a reason. You are told that children brought up in Barnevernet care “will not have a chance in the future to be able to be caring enough to have a child.”
Eventually, after many court hearings, a decision is made that you get to see Aria four times a year. Each visit will be two hours.
You are now beyond anger. You know what happened to you in Barnevernet’s “care.” You have several choices. Most of them are not good and will put you right back in prison, unable to be a voice for Aria and others like her.
It is difficult to sleep but you decide to do everything you can, the way a good father would, to put an end to the cruel CPS system that has controlled so much of your life. Your daughter has changed you. Your integrity is important to you. You know that the Barnevernet is looking for any reason to take even your visitations away from you. You do everything you can to try and get the cruel system to give you your daughter back. You speak at protests and educate others about your story, hoping that it will lead to opening the eyes and hearts of so many blind and evil people.
You are aware that people outside of your country are shocked to hear stories like yours. You do what you can to educate foreigners about the evil system that has taken hold in Norway.
You find out that some things about the Barnevernet have changed since you were in the “system.” Some things have gotten worse. The Barnevernet is now allowing foster parents to change the names of children. You find out about a child who was taken from his mother for no good reason before he was two years old. He has had his name changed at least twice.
No one will change Aria’s name. They may try but it will always be Aria.
Your daughter will be two years old in a few months. You will fight with the last fiber of your being for the rest of your life to have the family that God has given you. The Barnevernet has denied you the best gift that God has ever given you. You have heard the Bible verse: “You reap what you sow.” You know it is true. In time, and with the prayers of your friends, you hope to reap the good reward of all of the sacrifices you have made to bring the criminals to justice.
Message received September 24th, 2016 @ 11:00 am Vienna time:
“Hi Chris. We did have a wonderful time with AMAZING people yesterday! We are going to church with some of them on Sunday. They have stolen my baby twice, so I will always be afraid they will come after us again. I will live with this anxiety every day until he is 18 years old. All I wish is that Caspian is safe with his mother. I enjoy every day with him but at the same time I’m afraid everyday is going to be the last day we will spend together. I don’t want him sent to kindergarten because I will always be afraid he won’t come home. But in Norway, if we don’t send them to kindergarten Barnevernet gets really worried so, I guess I have to.”
Nadia, Caspian, and Margaret at the Symposium in Vienna
“Children in Barnevernet do not have it good. They become nobody’s children and they are moved around like they are a package. They lose all contact with their family. 😦 It is so sad how they treat children.”
Nadia and the Hennums arrive at the Symposium
“It is important to mention the feelings I’m sitting with after this tragedy. They will never go away.”
“And it was all a mistake. They haven’t even said that they are sorry. My boy and I have been through so much because of them.” -Nadia Bekkelund
————————–
I was fortunate to receive this message from Nadia today. Because of the content of the message and the pictures Nadia sent, you can see why I have mixed emotions.
It is wonderful to see a smiling mother with her only child. It is difficult to read most of the words Nadia sent.
What a blessing to know that Nadia will be in church with Caspian tomorrow and that she is surrounded by friends! Then there are the doubts and fears that Nadia expresses about her return to Norway.
Nadia makes a general statement about the Barnevernet, one borne out of experience. Then, she states that her bad experience “will never go away.”
It speaks volumes that the Barnevernet has not apologized to Nadia or the Hennum family. What could the reason for this be? Is Norway’s Barnevernet not willing to admit a huge mistake? In this case, it would be the only descent thing to do. Or maybe Norway’s Barnevernet doesn’t think it has made a mistake. This would be a tragedy, indeed. Is what some humble Norwegians have stated true? Is there a feeling of superiority among some Norwegians that allow such events to occur? Except for complete incompetence, the only other alternative that I can think of is that this wasn’t a “mistake.” Is it possible that Caspian was taken on purpose even though the Barnevernet knew there was no good reason? All of these possibilities are, of course, horrible. A more humane, less brutal, family-friendly CPS is needed in Norway.
Chris Reimers
The symposium that Nadia, Caspian, and Margaret Hennum participated in is at the last post on this blog. It has been edited to include mostly Nadia’s involvement in the symposium. If you start at the 9 minute mark, you will see most of it.
Nadia Bekkelund (with Caspian!) and Margaret Hennum
Marius Reikerås
Tor Age Berglid
-Break-
Amy Jacobsen and Kevin (Tyler’s parents)
Sverre Skimmeland
Berit Aarset
Steven Bennett
Natalie
Margaret Hennum
My thoughts: Having just finished watching this, I feel that this was, indeed, an excellent symposium as Professor Marianne H. Skanland has so aptly described in the comments below. It is wonderful to see Christian Austrians doing what they can to help suffering Norwegians. I enjoyed seeing people whom I have never met in person but whom I feel I know. I wish I didn’t have to see them discussing such a topic. However, it is inspiring to see people who will speak out against a cruel and unrelenting system that Norway calls the Barnevernet. Several Norwegians traveled to Vienna for this event. They are names that have been mentioned on this blog. There was the British/Austrian activist, Steven Bennett, who has been so helpful in getting this information out to Europe and the world. Behind the scenes and helping to organize this event was a young Christian man named Bjorn Korf. I wish to thank him and all who participated in this event. May God bless each of you as the valiant attempt is made to dismantle this evil government-sponsored family destroyer. I respect those who spoke. One would have to be callous to misunderstand the emotion in the voices. These are voices of strength, not of weakness.
There is a Bible verse that states: “You reap what you sow.” I hope the good workers of the Norwegian CPS that do exist and the government entities responsible for actions like those mentioned in this symposium take heed.
Nadia wishes, once again, to thank everyone who has encouraged her during a difficult time. Thank you for your prayers. Nadia is so relieved to have Caspian home.
I am very grateful that we finally have closure to this ordeal. I am thankful to God. I am thankful to all of of those who prayed. I am thankful to anyone who encouraged Nadia along this journey. May God bless all of you! These are the first pictures Nadia has sent me showing Caspian at home. I think it was very nice of Nadia to take a picture of Caspian in front of the Norwegian flag. All of Norway should be happy about this decision. I will probably add more details to this update as time allows.
NADIA AND CASPIAN ARE TO BE REUNITED. The decision has been made at the Fylkesnemnda. Today, Nadia’s lawyer informed her that she has won the case and that Caspian will be coming home. As more details about the case become available, Nadia will release more information.
——————————————-
Nadia is overjoyed as you can imagine. She is so thankful to everyone for their prayers and thoughts. Nadia has already received hundreds of messages from people who have helped her with their prayers and moral support. She will be sharing new pictures of her with her son as soon as she is able.
*
Wow. What can I say? This is such wonderful news. I am thankful to God for the many blessings He gives me each day. To come home from work and hear this news makes this one of the best days I have had in a long time. I would like to thank everyone who prayed and who supported Nadia in any way. There are so many names of people who have been supportive of Nadia that I don’t know where to start. If you want to see their names, You can go to her Facebook page to see many of them.
It looks like I will be wrapping up this story soon. I will probably put up some of the details that I learn about the decision or anything else that Nadia want’s me to share here. As time allows, I will share more personal thoughts about this story and about Norway’s Barnevernet. I am still sorting those thoughts out. I am so happy that she can now say, “Finally some fantastic news.”
It is now over 80 days since Caspian was taken from his mother on June, 13th. Nadia was allowed to see her son on Thursday and Friday. Nadia’s request for the visitation hours she lost last week has not been answered. She has also received no answer on her appeal to have Caspian baptized. Nadia has asked about it several times.
The Barnevernet is, apparently, attempting to get any remaining visitation locations changed. It seems the BV wanted this week’s visits at their offices, but it worked out that Nadia was able to have the visits in the setting with which she and Caspian are familiar.
Nadia has been invited to the Save the Children Conference being held in Vienna, Austria on Friday, September 23rd. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about problems associated with the childcare system in Norway. Those planning to attend include members of the media, representatives of different churches, and involved politicians. Amy Jacobsen, the American mother who had her son Tyler stolen from her by Norway’s Barnevernet, is also planning to be there.
The important decision about Caspian’s future custody should be known within a week or so.
———————————————
Nadia’s thoughts:
“I’m still waiting for answers from the court. Caspian and I had a wonderful time.” (Nadia is referring to this week’s visitations.)
“I don’t know what happens if I win or if I lose. If I lose, will I only see him three times each year? If I win, will Barnevernet give him back or hold him back for me like they do in many cases where parents win?”
“He is getting so big and learning new things all the time, a smart little baby.”
“It (this situation) is not for the best of the child!”
My thoughts:
Eighty days is like years for a baby this age to be away from his mother. Most adults following this incredible story are probably like me; it seems like it’s been ages since Caspian was rudely interrupted from his nap to be removed from the safest place he had ever been.
These updates and pictures speak for themselves. In spite of all that these two have been through, there is a strong connection between Nadia and Caspian. They have been treated like numbers by a machine; there is no humanity in a system where important questions and requests are dealt with in such a haphazard way. A machine would be more predictable.
I have spoken to one of the good men organizing the event in Vienna on September 23rd. I will post all of the information about the event here. The plans include a live broadcast on the internet in English.
I think that Nadia will be taking Caspian with her to the conference in Vienna. At this point, Margaret Hennum, Nadia’s good friend, is also planning on attending the event in Austria. Nadia and Caspian should be reunited soon because of the fact that there is no good evidence that they should continue to be separated.
As information comes in to the Wings of the Wind, I will try and keep readers informed of the latest regarding Nadia’s and Caspian’s case.
I know that all of us need prayer. If you can remember to add Nadia and Caspian to your prayers, it will be appreciated. Nadia is very thankful that so many have prayed for her already.
“The nature of our relationships with others is one of the most challenging areas in our Christian life and witness. We need to be prayerfully searching the Scriptures to remain sensitive to the Spirit of truth if we want to safely traverse this high wire of holiness.”
I want to thank Dan of The Battle Cry for REFERRING ME TO THIS ARTICLE. I had a not-so-easy question, at least not for me, and I asked Dan for his opinion. This article was very helpful.
One of the most faithful Christians I know is my wife of 35 years. We are both Christians. Do we agree on all of the most important things taught in scripture? Yes, I would say so. Do we agree on all topics? No. There are Biblical subjects that are interesting, even important, but they are not subjects that one has to agree with for salvation. Do I think less of my wife because of these differences? Of course not.
When should you separate yourself and to what degree should you separate yourself from your church, your friends, fellow believers, preachers you see on T.V. or the internet, or anyone for that matter? I hope THIS ARTICLE helps you as much as it helped me.
Nadia is heading home to Brandal after three days of trial at the County Council for Child Welfare and Social Affairs (Fylkesnemnda) in Bergen. She has been told that she will get an answer about the custody of Caspian in two weeks. While Nadia waits for a verdict in the trial, her lawyer has been told that she will be allowed visitations. Nadia has asked for the four hours of visitation she missed this week in addition to the hours that she is being given before the upcoming decision.
————————
Nadia’s thoughts:
“I have a good feeling about the case,” Nadia said. She wished this update to be published so that people would know what is happening and hopes that people will continue to keep her and Caspian in their thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts:
I’m still learning about Barnevernet procedure. I had not heard from anyone about this two week wait until today. Nadia had mentioned to me a few days ago that she might have to wait a “week or so.”
When any information about the visitations becomes available, I will let you know.
The future of Nadia and Caspian will be determined by the trial that starts on Wednesday (August 24th). The trial, scheduled for a few days, will be held at The County Council for Child Welfare and Social Affairs (Fylkesnemnda) in Bergen.
On Wednesday of this week (August 17th), Nadia received a verdict from the Barnevernet about the 9 1/2 hour hearing on Monday, August 8th.
The verdict states that she is unstable. She is considered unstable because of reactions she had months ago at the Vilde Mother’s Home in Horton. At Vilde, when Nadia found out that another mother was losing her child, Nadia would sometimes cry. This is the reason the verdict gives for Nadia’s instability. The verdict also states that Nadia is forgetful at times. The same verdict states that Nadia is a good mother when she feels safe.
On Thursday, the day after Nadia received this verdict, she had her scheduled visitation with Caspian. The report from the visitation was very good.
After the visitation, the head of the Årstad Barnevernet met with Nadia. She has known Nadia since Nadia was pregnant. She is also the same Barnevernet employee who sent Nadia from the Sudmanske “Home for Mothers” in Bergen to the Vilde “Mother’s Home.” Caspian was just over a month old at that time.
The head of the Arstad Barnevernet told Nadia that, “They want me to see him three times a year.” The reasons the Arstad employee gave for Barnevernet’s wishes that Nadia see Caspian three times a year were the same reasons as those given in the verdict Nadia received on Wednesday.
Nadia had another visitation on Friday and received a very good review for that visitation.
Caspian is being held in a place unknown to his mother. It has been this way since Caspian was taken from Nadia on June 13th, more than two months ago.
Mother and child now wait for the important decision that will be made this week. The decision will determine the future of this family. ————————————————— Nadia’s thoughts:
First, Nadia would like to thank everyone who has prayed for her, thought of her, and supported her during this very difficult time in her life.
Second, Nadia thinks that the “Barnevernet is trying to scare me! But I will never give up. I miss him so much. The verdict that I received this week along with the “3 days a year” comment on Thursday took an emotional toll on me. But I will never stop fighting.”
My thoughts:
A verdict of some kind was expected on Wednesday the 17th. As far as I can tell, the reasoning in the verdict is additional evidence that there is a great lack of common sense in an organization that makes very important decisions. If Nadia was upset when other mothers were having their children taken from them, it means she has empathy, something that most view as a wonderful trait in a person. The verdict says she is forgetful. Anyone who has read about the observation techniques at the Mother’s Homes would never forget them and Nadia hasn’t. Also, it is obvious that the vast majority of people would be more forgetful than usual when exposed to months of intense scrutiny.
Then, there is this: ” The same verdict states that Nadia is a good mother when she feels safe.” What is Nadia to think of this? Here is a young mother who has had virtually no control over the fate of her child since he was born. When was she supposed to feel “safe?” I know she felt safe at the Hennum home because she told me so. THE ONLY PLACE NADIA HAS FELT SAFE WITH HER SON WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM HER BY THE BARNEVERNET.
I was surprised, and I think Nadia was too, about the meeting with the BV Head after Thursday’s visitation. There had been some mention of a meeting after Friday’s visitation but it has been hard to know when important events will occur in this case. I agree with Nadia that Thursday’s meeting could be very intimidating before her important court case. For anyone to tell Nadia of wishes to give her only 3 visits a year with Caspian less than a week before her trial is very cruel. I will let you decide how bad it is that a Barnevernet Head did this.
I have received information from other sources besides Nadia that state she is a very good mother. I know that Nadia fears Caspian’s future away from her because she believes that no one can love him like she can. How many places has Caspian been moved while away from Nadia and where has her son been? She has no way of knowing. Caspian has given Nadia a purpose in life that she didn’t have before him. The bond has been strong during visitations and 3 visits a year would destroy most of that bond.
An item worth noting is the lack of the term “lopsided development” in the last verdict. This term was used in the first Fylkesnemnda that took place in Molde on June 23rd. Apparently, reports from the Vilde Mother’s Home stated that Caspian may have been a little slow of speech and that it was possible that he might have “nascent lopsided development.” He was never diagnosed with this “lopsided development.” It was thought that he might eventually develop it. At that time, this was a major reason for separating Caspian from Nadia. I have always thought that it is very unjust to separate a child from the one who loves him/her the most because of some event that “might happen” in the future. In any case, Nadia’s lawyer seems to think that this reason is not good enough to be used in a courtroom and I agree with him.
For Nadia to deal with all she has been through this week (and these past months) and still have a good visit with Caspian yesterday speaks volumes about the good mother that she is. She only wants her child to be in the best place. Anyone with common sense and civility knows where that is. It is always best for the biological mother to have a chance to raise their own child. In Nadia’s case, I see no reason why she should not be given that chance and can’t imagine any court having a different opinion. Please pray for a good decision in Nadia and Caspian’s case.
This week Nadia said, “I only wish the Best for my baby.” The more I have learned about this case the more I think the best thing by a huge degree would be the reunification of this mother with her child.
When Mr. M’Laren of Edinburgh was dying, Mr. Gustart, his associate pastor, paid him a visit, and inquired of him, “What are you now doing, my brother?” The strong and earnest response of the dying minister was, “I’ll tell you what I am doing, brother; I am gathering together all my prayers, all my sermons, all my good deeds, all my ill deeds; and I am going to throw them all overboard, and swim to glory on the single plank of free grace.”
— from “Death-bed Scenes: Or, Dying With and Without Religion, Designed to Illustrate the Truth and Power of Christianity”, Edited by Davis Wasgatt Clark, 1851.
I found this interesting story HERE AT THE SACRED SANDWICH. When you get a chance, take a look at more of the site. “Food for thought” is there.
Born Again
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Elizabeth is a writer of Evangelical Christian books based in Ireland. Her books are currently published under “Ready Writer Publications.” Her blog is a testimony to her Christian faith and always an enjoyable read.
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Tom has a loving heart for Catholics and his blog is an attempt to help those in Catholic churches understand that we are saved by grace alone. He blogs on a variety of topics.
Heavenly Raindrops
God-inspired words and images to bring blessings like rain
m'Kayla's korner
Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. Luke 11:35
Mrs. Acuna's Blog
If you have a teenager or anyone close to being one, this is a must read
The Domain for Truth
Slimjim’s “about” states: “(Jim Lee) is a pastor. He is a faithful servant of the church and his Saviour. Although young in age he is trying to be an apologist for the faith. “
The Hope Blog
Former Christian Talk Show Host, Ingrid Schlueter’s blog
The Narrowing Path
A blog to help Christians in Australia connect the dots…(it’s helped me here in the “good” ole U.S.A.)
The Realist Juggernaut
John is a fellow truth-seeker and his blog mission is to navigate the intricate maze of reality, bringing you unfiltered insights and thought-provoking discussions. John efficiently balances news and faith in our challenging times.
Always Aria
October 16, 2016Imagine…..
You are born in a country with breathtaking beauty. At five years old life is good. You live with your mother on a small island and you have relatives, including uncles, who are good role models for you. You don’t know your father’s story.
When you are seven, unfriendly people start coming around. They are bothering your mother. Later in life you will look back and remember your mother as good, maybe as even spoiling you a bit.
Your mother has heard stories of how other little children are taken by these bad people. She decides to move from the beautiful Island to a country where she thinks you will be safe.
You are nine years old. You don’t want to leave everything you know but you are obedient to your mother.
Your mother is a hard worker and finds work quickly in the new country. You are staying in a hotel. You and your mother have only been in the new country two weeks. Your mother is at work when, suddenly, police officers storm the hotel and forcefully remove you. You never find out the real reason that you were taken.
Imagine…..
You are taken to a terrible place and you are locked in a dark bedroom. Afraid, you start screaming and crying. Adults threaten to beat you if you are not quiet. You look out the key hole all night just to see some light. Here, you will be beaten for not brushing teeth the right way. Moved to a different and larger place, you are put in a school that is very big. The language is different. Still scared and not understanding the language, the bullies of the school target you. You fight back, get expelled, and get moved again.
Now, you think you are in hell. Physical and sexual abuse are common in this new place.
Your mother comes and tries to rescue you. You are eleven when you find out that you have a new little sister. You tell your mother about some of the abuse during visitations but, of course, you don’t mention the sexual abuse.
Your mother is finally successful and is able to get you back. It is wonderful but inside you feel dirty. You feel like your life has been ruined. You are angry and your mother has a difficult time controlling you.
You are moved away from your mother again and placed in a foster home. You never find out why you have been moved away from your mother for the second time. You are not placed with loving relatives who may have gladly taken care of you in the country with the beautiful Island. It is not even considered.
Imagine…..
You are now a teenager and you understand that your foster parents don’t love you. You are simply a tool for them to make money so that they can have their own family. The anger continues to build in your heart. As soon as the home they are building is complete and they have their own baby, you are thrown out. Two others are thrown out with you.
You are moved to another “institution.” You have come to hate these places. At 16, you are kicked out and the bad people pay for your own apartment.
You are very excited to have your “freedom.” However, years of neglect and anger have its effect.
You make bad decisions, wind up in jail, and receive an 18 month sentence. You are then “sold” into a new foster family. You now understand that your only importance is for others to profit off of your life. The anger continues to build. This foster home is like most of the others. It is not a happy place and the marriage ends in divorce.
You are 18. About this time, you find out that your mother became a heavy drinker after you were taken by the cruel people. You also hear the sad news that your mother has fallen out of a window and died.
You have little respect for authority figures and wind up in and out of trouble. You become involved in criminal gangs and drugs. You spend more time in jail. In jail, you notice that many of those serving time have a story similar to yours. Later, you will discover that the majority of those who are taken from a loving family end up in the same situation.
In 2004, you are sent back to the country with the beautiful Island. You are almost 30. Despite all of the money “spent on you” by the bad people (you now know they are called the Barnevernet), you know that no one really cares. You have been sent back to your country to complete a prison sentence.
When released, you finally find a place where you are excepted. You join the motorcycle gang that respects your abilities. They become the first family you have known since you were taken by the Barnevernet of Denmark when you were nine.
Imagine…..
You meet a beautiful young lady and fall in love. She becomes pregnant with your child. For months you prepare for the coming of this child. Everything is ready, even the crib. The nightmare that has been your life for over 30 years is over.
Your daughter is born on January 13th, 2015 at 10:53 am. You have never experienced such joy. Memories of your own childhood return. You now have your own family. You realize that you have made mistakes in the past and take responsibility for them. You are determined that your daughter will have a better life than you have experienced. You leave your past behind. You will be better than those who have wronged you.
Your daughter is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen, equaling and possibly even surpassing the beauty of her mother. She is much more beautiful than anything in the beautiful land you remember growing up in. You name her Aria.
Imagine…
After only two days in the hospital, the Barnevernet comes to the hospital and takes Aria away. The nightmare is not over; it has only become worse. The anger that has been stilled during the days of waiting for the birth of your daughter returns stronger than ever.
Aria’s mother and Aria are reunited and sent to a “home” for observation. You are not allowed to have any contact with them.
Aria is taken from her mother by Norway’s Barnevernet on January 22nd, 2015. She is not even 10 days old.
You ask for a reason for such cruel and evil treatment.
Imagine…..
You are given a reason. You are told that children brought up in Barnevernet care “will not have a chance in the future to be able to be caring enough to have a child.”
Eventually, after many court hearings, a decision is made that you get to see Aria four times a year. Each visit will be two hours.
You are now beyond anger. You know what happened to you in Barnevernet’s “care.” You have several choices. Most of them are not good and will put you right back in prison, unable to be a voice for Aria and others like her.
It is difficult to sleep but you decide to do everything you can, the way a good father would, to put an end to the cruel CPS system that has controlled so much of your life. Your daughter has changed you. Your integrity is important to you. You know that the Barnevernet is looking for any reason to take even your visitations away from you. You do everything you can to try and get the cruel system to give you your daughter back. You speak at protests and educate others about your story, hoping that it will lead to opening the eyes and hearts of so many blind and evil people.
You are aware that people outside of your country are shocked to hear stories like yours. You do what you can to educate foreigners about the evil system that has taken hold in Norway.
You find out that some things about the Barnevernet have changed since you were in the “system.” Some things have gotten worse. The Barnevernet is now allowing foster parents to change the names of children. You find out about a child who was taken from his mother for no good reason before he was two years old. He has had his name changed at least twice.
No one will change Aria’s name. They may try but it will always be Aria.
Your daughter will be two years old in a few months. You will fight with the last fiber of your being for the rest of your life to have the family that God has given you. The Barnevernet has denied you the best gift that God has ever given you. You have heard the Bible verse: “You reap what you sow.” You know it is true. In time, and with the prayers of your friends, you hope to reap the good reward of all of the sacrifices you have made to bring the criminals to justice.
Until then it will be…always Aria.
Imagine…..
(cr)
Places to follow this true story:
BABY ARIA AND THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
JUSTICE FOR BABY ARIA AND HER FAMILY
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