As the days draw closer to my upcoming surrender on November 30th, I find myself reflecting on the sources of inspiration that will guide me during this challenging journey ahead. The separation from my beloved daughters, Dina, Jenan, and Katrina, is a deep and painful wound in my heart. However, I am determined to transform this difficult chapter into one that fills them with pride, not because of my incarceration, but because of how I choose to navigate it through the strength of my faith.
My unwavering faith as a Chaldean Catholic has been a cornerstone of my life. It’s a faith that has anchored me through the storms and guided me toward the light even in the darkest hours. Each day, I find solace and wisdom in the Bible, reading its verses with reverence and understanding. My rosary, a symbol of devotion, is a constant companion, a reminder of the power of prayer and the presence of God in my life.
I carry this aching weight of my anticipated separation from my daughters every day. As a father, I bear a profound obligation to them, one that transcends physical distance. My love for them knows no bounds, and it is precisely this love that fuels my determination to make the most of my time behind these prison walls.
I am acutely aware that my daughters look up to me, not just as their father but as a source of guidance and inspiration. It is this awareness that propels me to lead an extraordinary and compelling adjustment during my time in prison. While I cannot change the circumstances that led me here, I have complete control over how I navigate this period.
My commitment to faith and service to others will be the pillars upon which I build this adjustment. In the confines of the Hazelton prison camp, I will strive to bring value to the lives of those around me. My faith will serve as a guiding light, and through my actions, I hope to demonstrate the strength and resilience that faith can bestow upon an individual.
My ultimate goal is to make my daughters proud, not of the situation I find myself in, but of how I respond to it. I want them to witness their father as a beacon of hope and compassion, an example of unwavering faith and the power of transformation. I hope to instill in them the belief that even in the most challenging circumstances, one can rise above and make a positive impact.
To Dina, Jenan, and Katrina, I want you to know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. My love for you knows no bounds, and this separation only deepens my appreciation for the precious moments we have shared. I carry you with me in my heart, and I am committed to emerging from this experience as a better person, a loving father, and a source of inspiration.
As I prepare to surrender, I am reminded of the words from the Bible, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). With faith as my guide and the love for my daughters as my motivation, I embark on this challenging journey, determined to emerge from it as a beacon of hope and resilience.
May the grace of God continue to shine upon my path, and may my journey serve as a testament to the power of faith, love, and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others, even in the most trying of times.
