As I sit in my music studio watching my Red Sox battle the Orioles, I begin to look around the room and notice all the photographs that I have up. They consist of my family but mostly my children. My two sons skateboarding during skate camp in Orlando. I notice pictures of my three daughters and I begin to sadden up some. I quickly ran to my bookshelf and grabbed a photo album and started to flip through the pages. Memories start to engulf my thoughts and I smile some knowing that I will always be here to keep them safe. A promise most parents are scared to predict not knowing the future, but I will be here to protect them always, especially living in Florida.
August is a big month for me, not only is it my 73 year old mothers birthday, but also two of my daughters. My youngest will be two and she looks at me as if I am her Gladiator. My second oldest will be five and she also knows that she is safe, no one will get through me and take her. August is also big because six months ago I feel like I became the adopted father of another daughter who will be six years old this month and I DO NOT KNOW WHERE SHE IS!!!! This was written with the most kind caring and humble heart. No, thats not true. I write out of pure frustration, anger and diligence for the finding of Haleigh Cummings. It is written from a fathers heart.
Almost ten months ago my family and I moved to North Florida, St. Augustine to be exact. Even though getting there seemed like a million miles away due to the rural streets my wife directed me through. As we maneuvered the big U-Haul truck through these dark and tight streets we hear a bang. I was fortunate to have been from the truck driving behind, because the U-haul ran into a tree completely lifting the roof off the truck and into the street. The bang was so loud I thought the whole neighborhood would be on the street watching, or at least trying to see what happened. No one even peeked out off their windows. When the Police arrived three hours later the cop car read Putnam County. When asking the officer what town I was in he said son you are in Satsuma. I replied “Where�
My first night was as interesting as my last in that region of the world. In my first day I discovered that everyone carries a gun. I assumed it was because it so empty you never know who could be crawling in the darkness. I was right. My wife and I moved there in order to set up a Vacation and Cruises sales business. The location was near the 17 and 309 intersection. To get there I had to take the 206 to the 207 and just to clarify the only thing on those roads are you, and the suspicious lights behind you. Its like being in a horror film driving down a dark street but you know there is something there with you. That is Satsuma!
A couple of months into our stay we begin to hear all the media commotion and police beginning to fill the streets. Being from Orlando, we do follow the commotion, meaning everyone is in your business. My wife and I went outside and started asking around. Thats when we were brought to our null reality. They tell us there is a missing little girl and thats all they know. Months later after asking the same question to our surprise they gave us the same answers.
The next couple of months we spent helping where we could, such minor things as bringing water to the officers as they met to go on the searches for Haleigh Cummings. We do not live in that part of Florida anymore, thank God. But ever since this experience my life has changed. After already enduring the Caylee Anthony suffering, this kidnapping truly put me in my place, sort of speak. For the last six months I have become the most obsessed father ever, allowing my kids very little leniency.
I am an author, I get to spend a lot of time at home with them. They have all become home schooled by myself. Their friends can come over to play, but they are not allowed to visit their friends, unless either my wife or I are tagging along. I barely let them run outside for long with out joining them. I take every accountable measure to secure their safety. To give them everything I did not not have as a child. A parent has grave responsibilities. I believe it is our duty as parents to do so. Caylee Anthony and Haleigh Cummings are just two out of hundreds of kids kidnapped or otherwise disappear every year. Some are in our backyards. and some are distant, but as a parent I feel them all as close.
Its been six months now and WE are all anxious, the frustration on all of us all is bearing down. My two daughters birthdays are coming up and I am wondering how I am going to be enthusiastic knowing Haleigh’s birthday is just around the corner. My two year old’s birthday is on the 15th. We need to come together as a whole and continue to knock down the doors of those who even remotely played a part in disappearance of Haleigh Cummings. From family members, to law officials, to legal consultants that have proved nothing. We need to e-mail and send letters of concern to the proper authorities and government figures that have the power to push Haleigh’s search forward. This is not a blog; this is a father’s plea to the world. Please find Haleigh and bring her home. Please help find my new adopted daughter who has been missing and would love to celebrate her 6th birthday, like my daughters will. Happy and safe.
I think it was best said by TJ Hart on my friend Simon Barrett’s radio show “Haleigh will be missing for six months on her sixth birthday.†You are right TJ that is the saddest thing ever to hear as a parent. God bless every parent and always keep your children safe, for Haleigh’s sake.
Armando
27 users commented in " Haleigh Cummings – Where Are You? "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI AM HURTING AS THIS MAN IT IS UNREAL THAT THESE THINGS HAPPEN AND WE ARE LOST OF WHERE SHE IS OR HOW SHE IS.I WONDER IF PEOPLE THAT NEED FAVORS TO HIDE THEMSELVES FROM LAW MAY HAVE TO BRING YOUNG CHILDREN AS A PAYMENT FOR THEM TO GO UNDERGROUND.JUST A THOUGHT THERE IS SO MANY HORRIBLE THINGS THAT GO ON IN THIS WORLD.I JUST KEEP PRAYING BECAUSE I KNOW GOD KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED.
i too feel very sad for this little girl and just want her to be found.
Thank you for that!
God bless and let’s find Haleigh
I am was glad to hear I am not the only one Aug will be a hard month for. Sunday the 9th Caylee would have been 4 and that has me sad too. I pray everyday for Haleigh. I have sent emails begging for more coverage of her. I too feel like she is my little girl. Losing Caylee hurt so much. I want to keep helping with missing kids but I can’t take too much more. I need Haleigh home alive to keep me going.
Armando very nice article. I think so many of us have adopted this little girl. I have sent numerous emails to officials and some national media stations. It seems this little girl has been forgotten, but Simon, Jan, TJ Hart, Cobra and so many here at BNN have kept this little angel in the public eye and given her a voice.
God bless everyone who has taken part in finding this little girl and god bless Haleigh and keep her safe till she is found.
I think as Haleigh’s birthday comes along it reminds all of us how lucky we are to tuck are children in bed each night. May god bless her where ever she is!
Yea i agree, we should definatly try to get in contact with the proper authorities who CAN and WILL push Haleigh’s case harder,and whoever was involved in this god awful crime needs the proper punishment. god bless everyone who was and still is concerned with this innocent little girl. Great way of getting everyones attention and reaching in the hearts of others Armando!
Beautiful & Heartfelt. I, like you, limit my daughters interactions with others. I feel its my responsibility to keep her safe, even if Im not there. When she’s not with me, I put her in the care of someone who is. And beleive me, anyone no matter who they are in my life, have only one chance to screw up and thats that. I dont give someone a second chance when it comes to my children.
Many children across this country of ours, are not so lucky to have parents who are willing to be that accountable. That is the difference. Parents who take the time to realize they can be taken in an instant, in as little time as it takes to check the mailbox, we should watch, we should listen & pay attention to those around them…then we have a better chance of not experiencing such a tragic loss. There are no garantees, but at least we did our very best to assure their care, and if something does happen to them, we wont be standing there shifting the blame on someone else and saying we werent there, we waz at werk.
Be accountable to your children.
Thank you for this heartfelt article about an innocent little girl.You are like a breath of fresh air, Comparing her to your children who you love so much.Finally an article so very well written, who does not attack or judge others to make a point.You give this child the respect she deserves.Thank you for that and God, bless and watch over you and your family always.
Years ago I met a woman whose daughter was being sexaully abused by her father ( she said) so they went underground. I was in awe of the underground world. I never knew her real name or where she was from nor did I ask. They went state to state in private homes. Does anyone think it could be something like that? I’m not saying anything other than could it be? I hope not.
I have also adopted Haleigh! I check on her daily, waiting for the news that she has finally come home.
Armando, I can feel the love you have for your girls! As a Daughter, a Granddaughter, & also, a Mother….. The most meaningful things that I remember from my childhood are from the most important Men IN MY LIFE. My Father, & My Grandfathers! They showed me discipline, but so did My Mother & My Grandmothers? –The Men in my life growing up gave me the safest sense of security & confidence, because they Loved, Protected & Believed in me in a way that only a Father can do for his Daughter! Only a Father can make his Daughter feel so safe & secure!!
Another thought,,,
….The surprise flowers that were often delivered to my ‘princess suite’ (bedroom) or left in my car, as I got older, were only affirmation of the LOVE & SUPPORT that my Daddy had for me!! He always reminded me that I was raised to be a LADY! Send your Girls flowers from time 2 time. …… They will really think it is VERY SPECIAL that you did that for them!!!!! You are a Wonderful DAD!
…..We pray for Haleigh together!!
Thank you, Armando, for the beautifully written article. I never go to sleep at night without asking my Higher Power to show us where Haleigh is. I asked for Caylee, and He showed us. But our time is not the same as His time, and sometimes we have to have much patience.
I had a color magnetic sign made with Caylee’s photo on it, and it has been on the back of my vehicle since before the precious baby was found. I should have one made of Haleigh. Where, oh where could she be. Someone knows.
I also pray for comfort, for those who are grieving the loss of their children.
To those who are parents, please keep Haleigh in your thoughts, and your children close to your heart. They cannot be replaced.
I wanted to personaly thank you all for your comments, they are truly motivating.
My four year old daughter wakes me up today asking me “Why do people take loving care of their pets but not their kids?”
I tell her that there are some parents out there that unfortunately don’t care for their kids. She smiles at me and says “I’m sure glad you’re not one of them” and she runs away to play. I stayed there shocked as tears began to form.
Wake up America!!!! It is true that children are the future of our lives, and if we cannot preserve a safe and loving enviorment for them to grow and learn, then what does that say for us.
If they are the future, the let us remember that we are the NOW!
I love you Issabella, Lidia, Gabriella, Malachi and Jason. Daddy will protect your future.
WE LOVE YOU HALEIGH!
…And if you are found alive there are a million loving parents that WILL protect your future. That’s a promise!
I have to wonder where your daughter – especially at 4 – got the idea that some people take better care of their pets than their kids? Just stikes me as strange.
If someone hurts a child, they should not be allowed around pets either. And if someone hurts pets they should not be allowed around children.
Why anyone would harm a pet OR a child is beyond my comprehension and BOTH are horrible crimes – as far as I’m concerned – that should require the person to be removed from society permanently.
Basically, it’s the same offense – hurting someone too small and innocent and defenseless to defend themselves. The only difference is human vs canine/feline/etc and TO ME that is not much difference. It’s the SAME unbelievably cruel person. Punishments for both kinds of offenses should be MUCH harsher.
(Like “outta here” permanently.)
M2C
it sounded strange to me aswell. After asking her what made her say that she said some show on Nickelodeon. I don’t think it was how you took it. More like the parents paid more attention to their dog. But sad enough that’s our society. I have never personally met an animal abuser, but I have known some horrible parents.
Non the less I agree with you neither crime should be remotely tolerated. But I do beleive the abusers and abductors of Haleigh Cummings should recieve a stiffer sentence then say Michale Vick got. Like death. Wouldn’t you agree?
I have five children, I don’t have time for pets. Eventhough I love them.
Armando
Instead of focusing on your topic – one that makes me as sad and forlorn as it does you, I found myself reading and re reading the paragraph about how obsessed you are with protecting your own children. Of course, we must protect our kids and safeguard them from the dangers of the world. It is our duty and privilege. But, your over protectiveness is alarming, unhealthy and unfair to your kids. In reading that piece of your article, I felt a profound sadness for your children – for their forced inability to LIVE LIFE while other children are sadly no longer here to do so.
Wonderful article! and I disagree with the above poster,unfortunately, it is a sad reality the world we live in, our children are never safe, and it is not unhealthy to overprotect if you love your children. They cannot fend or fight for themselves against the adults who are devils, and downright monsters, and it is our job as parents to do just that. I do not at all feel sad for his children, they have a loving parent who loves them deeply, and will do everything to protect them from evil. When the children are older and can understand the bad in the world they will understand the protectiveness… it is to be admired and not condemned…
Jd
jd
To each their own. I will continue to watch over them as I always have. Diligently. They are 2,5,8,13,13. You must not b a parent.
Maybe you need to reread the paragraph and realize I live an hour away from where Haleigh was taken. Two hours away from Caylee. I don’t prohibit my kids from their childhood Im just there to protect it only a feeling a parent can posses after winessing what goes on in FL.
My kids live a wonderful life. An outstanding one. Provided by their parents.
So thank you for reading the article but you cleary did not get the message behind it. God bless
Armando
Great Writing! My thoughts and prayers go out to The Cummings Family and I pray for her safe return. I also praise your parenting skills. If there were MORE “overprotective & unhealthy” parents, do you think we would have so many JUVENILES locked up, some of which are serving the rest of their life locked up. Not that we(parents) can control everything our children do, but what if we make a difference in just one childs life! Well in Armando’s case, he will be making a difference in 5 lives. I can bet you 10 years from now, none of his children will have been in the system or on the streets. Its not safe anymore and its our job to do what he does!
Hi, Armando! Thank you for your reply. After I wrote my comment I thought to myself that I bet your daughter had seen a story like that on TV. My pets ARE members of the family – to a point – and that point is that I make every effort to protect them and “train” them (for their own safety as much as my convenience) and feed them well and take care of their health needs. I love and protect them. The very basics that all children should get (plus more!)
To me – and this is me – if the DP was going around, I’d write in Michael Vick’s name. He turned dogs in to monsters, tortured, abused and murdered them. Or a life sentence would be okay (without parole).
I don’t think you are over-protective of your children and I think pammyXO is right, too.
I was about to say that homeschooling is an educational choice and then realized that these days it might well be a choice involving safety too.
I would not let children your daughters’ ages go out to play unsupervised. And some may think that you or your wife going with them when they go to a friend’s or neighbor’s house is overdoing it but look what happened to Sandra Cantu. For a parent who is really aware of the types of things that really do happen – even rarely – that’s not an unreasonable thing to do. We’ve had discussions about trusting neighbors (people someone “thought they knew”) – but we darn well know that some family members (uncles, step-parents, the mothers of their children’s friends, etc) have committed unspeakable crimes.
So I think every day a parent has to make the best choices they can. I think MORE parents should be more mindful about their children’s safety but I think some are ignorant and some are of the “it won’t happen to me” mentality. The problem is they are right on that last one. It won’t happen to them – it will happen to their child.
I am very thankful to know my grandghildren have awonderful AND healthy Family in FL. since Ilive in Oh.I sleep better knowing that! LOVE,MOM
You’re grandkids are always safe!
Hope to see you and Mike soon.
Miss you guys lots. Love ya back.
…and don’t forget your balloons for haleigh.
Well, I’ll Tell you this, Some say that a person can over protect children, that Unless they are taught to be aware of their surroundings, they won’t be aware nor safe.Yet on the other hand does one want to take that chance – not I. !
My grandchildren was put into a bad situation by their mother, She left to parts unknown, My son didn’t know where to find them, we hired a Privet Investigator, Lawyers, found them, Only to find out that the Mothers boy friend had broken My granddaughters arm Twice, And Had had his way with her, { if one has eyes to read then you know what im talking about } Yet the Courts Gave them back to the Mother not One But Twice After a Protective Order was put in place, and Still only what she got was slap on the wrist, Courts say children still must see their mother, with supervised visits, yet children don’t want this. Dad Lost his temperament due to what has happened to his daughter, Understandable, Yet someone needs to have a clear head, So Now I got them, and have had them for over 5 years, Trust me when I say this! after what I have heard what this mothers boyfriend had done to my granddaughter, which I am shure She will never – NEVER forget, even with the most certified Counselor in the world, wont take the hurt away! that she endured, I would Not Ever!!!! Let any more Harm come to her or Her Brother! Children Should Ever Hurt at or by anyone’s Hands. Now I told you all this, And I can tell you this much If it were My Child, I would Be searching Night and Day! No Moss would Grow under my Feet! Which leads me to believe more than ever, that Ronald And Misty! Knows more than their telling! I think he had a fit of rage and hit Haleigh { Maybe by accident } I don’t know! But because he was all ready, under investigation, for Child abuse, he didn’t want to go to Jail, And His mommy didn’t want that either, and I think she helped to cover this up, I mean Ronald got away with allot in that county, And By the looks of it he Just got away with One more thing!!!! Murder!!!! – you all wont find Haleigh, Because she is in that river some place encased in Cement!!! they had Help in this cover up and it was planed Very well!!!!
Armando, your article brought tears to my eyes. It was the most moving and heartfelt article I have read. Your children are so lucky to have such caring parents that will protect them at all cost.
I cried many many tears for Caylee and Haleigh until I thought no more would come. But yet, everytime there is a missing or murdered child, they still flow. We are supposed to protect our little children. What have we as a nation become?
I have a grandson that will be 4 on Aug 15 and about a year ago I started talking to him about stranger danger because he was overly friendly with complete strangers. He remembers everything that I told him and we talk about it often. He has been with me when I have watched coverage about Caylee and Haleigh and he knows who they are and circumstances of their disappearance. We have released balloons for both of them and when we release them, he waves goodbye to Caylee and Haleigh and calls them by name. One day I was getting ready for us to go shopping and he was watching tv. Coverage came on about Caylee and I believe it was George talking and yelling at the press. He came to me and said that a man on tv was yelling. I asked him what they were yelling about and he came back and said “Casey Anthony, Caylee’s mother”. When I went to the other room to see what he was talking about, it was George screaming. So, he really is aware and is so aware that there are bad people in this world, even in ones family. I too would protect him at all cost. When he is here with me, he is not allowed to go outside without me unless he goes in our locked fenced back yard with my 3 big dogs. No one would dare get close to him with them around.
Thank you for such a loving article! I think many of us have adopted Caylee and Haleigh and other little missing children.
hi, great article and about being overprotective i dont think thats possible,so many parents are to lazy to watch thier kids nowadays and just let them run free or apend the night with friends b4 they even know the other kid or thier psrent, a gal at work was talking about how her son hadnt come home from his friends house, and she didnt have a phone number never met him or his parent i was really shocked as i figured her to be super responsible(not saying shes not responsible in other ways) but me i always have a # and have spoken with the parent, i dont care how old the child is parents need to really be on thier toes nowadaysanything can happen! i cant believe its beeen so long halieghs been gone with no clues and over a yr caylee was murdered!! two innocent children who harmed no one and in both cases it seems to me the parents didnt give a sh**! i pray always for haliegh to be found safe but after so long my hopes get less, and i also believe whoever harms a child or a pet should never be let out again, both are pretty defenceless around a adult bigger and stronger….
I plan to join in on the balloon release on Aug.17th at 2:16,I have printed out the flyers,and am going to the balloons and be ready.In hopes that some one some where will see her sweet little face and know of her were about,and call in.I feel everyone that can and should pull together to bring her home one way or another.Please who ever you are,know matter what the truth is bring her home.
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