My Babies Need To Come Home

As told by Lori Pynn

My story began in November, 2006.  My girls were age 4 and 6 when child welfare was called to my home following a huge fight I had with my boyfriend in front of my daughter. My actions were inappropriate, I should not have done this in front of my 4 year old daughter and I would pay dearly for it. It was suggested that my girls stay with their grandmother who was very close to us. I am fortunate to have much family support.

At this time I was very happy and excited when I realized I was pregnant. I was anxious to get my girls home from a few days with Nan........which turned in weeks and months. My son was born and we were watched constantly. When he was only six weeks old a social worker assumed I was impaired and child welfare ripped him from my breast. The drug test was clean; I had not had a drink or done drugs for 5 years since before my first daughter was born.

Michael spent his first year of life in six foster homes. One foster parent was under investigation for breaking the arms of another infant in the home. It was a horrific day my 4 month old son was taken to the emergency room to be checked for broken bones and fractures. This the year for my son whom I brought into this world by the grace and pure love of God, whom I adored and treasured. I watched and could do nothing as he was deprived of me. My doctor who saw Michael twice in the six weeks I had him, said he was flourishing on his breast milk. I don’t think her statements ever reached the court as the social worker said I was not allowed to feed my son. That first year of Michael’s life the girls stayed with Nan, for which I was very thankful.

It took over a year, until in September 2008, Michael and the girls came home with me. They didn’t even know each other.

In February 2009 I gave birth to Bailey and Brian. They were preemies at 29.5 weeks who both stayed in NICU for 2 months. I was there with them every day to bring them my fresh breast milk, to give them my endless love, to share songs and stories with them. There was always a hospital ward that saw me with them. 

I was never happier than when the babies came home in April, 2009 and we are all together as a family. Then in September, 2009, citing subjective rants about my mental and emotional stability, they stole all my children. From the time the twins were born until their abduction I worked hard at caring for my five children and giving them a good home. I never hurt a child in my life! I have a lot of family and community support. My doctor of 15 years supports my kids’ return, as does my counsellor of 10 years and a missionary woman in the church who has been a great spiritual help to me. I have participated in and completed parenting classes.

We went to court in February, 2010. The child welfare stand was “separate all the children, girls with their Nan, baby Michael with his father and the twins for profit. In June 2, 2010 ~ four very long months later, I was called to a child welfare room with my lawyer. The judge brought the news that I had won custody of my three oldest children. However I was told “Don’t question anything about the twins from this point onward or we are going to take the other three back.”  I have been fighting ever since June 2010. I have not seen my little blessings in 16 months. I don’t know where my babies are, I have no rights to them at all, and I’m not allowed to know if they are dead or alive. I don’t know how much longer I can live like this, but the Lord tells me it will be okay.

I only have 20 days to appeal a Supreme Court ruling that I lost on Sept 20/11. I have lost a lot of precious time with my kids and I don’t know where to go from here.

My babies need to come home to me and their brother and sisters who miss them terribly.