Peter Senese: Heroes Live Heroically. How To Make A Difference For Others

Hero. Heroes. Heroically.

These words are occasionally used in society. But have you ever really asked yourself, "What is the definition of a hero or what does a person do when they act heroically?"

Over the last few years I have written about individuals I consider to be heroes in the 'Peter Senese: Today's Heroes' retrospective I have enjoyed sharing with others.
 
During this same period of time, I have continued to ask myself, "What is a hero? Who are heroes in my life? And what do they do heroically?"

As a stakeholder in the fight to stop child abduction, I have had a unique view on the polar extremes of good vs. bad, selfless vs. selfish, and heroic vs. narcissistic.

Mike Dilbeck, who appears to be one terrific guy, is the Founder & President of 'The Response Ability Project: Empowering People to Intervene in Problem Situations and Be an Every|Day Hero™ shared his definition of what is a hero:
Heroes are people who transform compassion (a personal virtue) into heroic action (a civic virtue). In doing so, they put their best selves forward in service to humanity. A hero is as an individual or a network of people that take action on behalf of others in need, or in defense of integrity or a moral cause.
　 According to the Heroic Imagination Project: a Heroic action is
1. Engaged in voluntarily;
2. Conducted in service to one or more people or the community as a whole;
3. Involving a risk to physical comfort, social stature, or quality of life; and
4. Initiated without the expectation of material gain. There is another aspect of a heroic action that I think critically defines a heroic action:

                    5. To live Unbowed through courage and within your morals, values, and beliefs.

　

Mr. Dilbeck expanded on the Heroic Imagination Project when he added, "When you consider this interpretation, you can really get that heroism is the other side of the coin — the opposite — of bystander behavior. When you voluntarily engage in an activity that is in service to someone else, or the community as a whole, and you take a risk in doing so AND do it without any expectation of material gain: you are a hero! You are not a bystander.

"Heroism is not random acts of kindness, as great as they are. Heroism is very distinct. A hero is not someone you simply admire or respect. A hero is a very distinct person."

Is it a fair assessment to say that most of us want to be heroes?

Probably.

Why?

Because each of us, in our own way, would like to live in freedom, and in doing so, know that we can make a positive difference for others.

Is wanting to make a difference for others narcissistic, egotistical, or self-promoting?

Absolutely not. Particularly when you voluntarily make a positive difference for others (plural), and in the process of doing so, you seek nothing in return other than a positive outcome for those who may be in need of assistance. Underscoring the selfless act is that a heroic action may at times place a person at physical risk or reduce their quality of life.

On more occasion than not, I have met others who have not been confident enough in who they are to act heroically. This lack of courage often causes them to be bystanders of life. In many ways, it causes us to walk through life without living it. Without courage to be free in who we are, we do not know freedom. Without belief in our own morals, values, and ability, we bow to what is around us, seldom standing up for what we believe in.

This is why, I have learned that in order to be Heroic a person must first and foremost live Unbowed. It is a lesson taught from one of the most heroic individuals who ever lived: Nobel Laurette Professor Wangari Maathai - the first African women to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

So at the end of the, perhaps we can say that a hero is a person who acts heroically because they first learned to believe in themselves.

On this note, I have been so blessed because I am surrounded by heroes who act heroically as a way of life.

"Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect." ― Wangari Maathai

　
　
　 I would like to share this idea with you:

"There is nothing that the world can offer you that is more satisfying and meaningful than being able to make a positive difference for those around you.  Find your courage, and then get involved." -- Peter Senese

 
 In ending this, I hope I have given you a few seeds of inspiration to get involved.

Lastly, I would like to leave you with this final thought as shared by the Heroic Imagination Project:

Heroism is the active attempt to address injustice or create positive change in the world despite pressures to do otherwise. It may involve coping effectively in unclear or emergency situations, helping others in need, or may involve setting and achieving goals to promote the well-being of others. Habits of wise and effective acts of heroism can be learned, encouraged, modeled, and are achievable by anyone at any point in their lives.

 
With best wishes,

Peter Senese
(Read sworn testimonials about how Peter Senese helped protect children from abduction)

Love Changes Everything, Especially For Children!

LOVE

It is not a coincidence that the I CARE Foundation logo is a majestic heart covered in beautiful colors of young childrens' hand prints.  The symbol represents the LOVE we value, respect, and cherish that is found in our relationships as well as the loving bond between parents and their children.

Indeed, LOVE has the potential to change everything.

In thinking of LOVE and the work of the I CARE Foundation, my mind wanders to the opening words of Chasing The Cyclone.  There readers will see the words:

Love is everything it is cracked up to be

It is really worth fighting for

Being brave for

Risking everything for

And there is no question I do believe in these words.  I hope in your own special way, you do too.

So today is Valentine's Day. It is a very special day for me because I have the most incredible partner in the world in Maria. And hopefully she knows that there is never a day that goes by that I ever take her for granted. I think she knows . . . because I tell her everyday how important she is to me and how blessed I am to have her in my life.

But today is a very special day outside of my relationship with Maria.  You see, the reason why the I CARE Foundation exists today is because a group of us believe that LOVE is really worth fighting for. Being brave for.  Risking everything for. And that love I refer to is the love a parent holds for their child, and the love a child holds for their parent.  But that's not all of it.  In addition, we pay tribute to the love that exists between each individual, children included, and this magical thing called life.

Sadly, sometimes in life there are those who seek to steal the magic away from others. 

And that too is worth fighting for.

I believe that.

So today, on behalf of all of us at the I CARE Foundation, we wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day filled with the magic of life.

And today to start my own day, I received a telephone call from a young girl age 12 named Paula along with her parents.  Paula is one of the young girls the I CARE Foundation recently rescued from the horrors of human sex trafficking. 

Her words to me were this:  "Mr. Peter. I love you and wanted to be the first person to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day." Her words were soon followed by such kind words by her parents. For the first time in weeks I felt a true sense of happiness.  Clearly, their storms were subsiding.

LOVE.  So much more than a word.

Some of you may know that I have been a little frozen after the recent set of events that led to the rescue of these young children. The trauma they faced and the journey they will remain on makes it very difficult to celebrate anything.

However, today the words of this young girl, followed by those of her mother and father changed that.  Funny how LOVE is so powerful that it can make a heart burst in joy!

And today, I celebrate these young children who are now FREE!

And today I celebrate all the children we have helped bring home as well as those who we have helped protect from abduction.

And today I celebrate the friendships I have created and hold dear.

And I today, like every day, I celebrate the love I have for Maria and my beautiful son, Tyler.

But most of all, today, in my own way, I affirm my own commitment to allow the love I hold in my heart to keep me moving forward in the way I have in my role with the I CARE Foundation.

Wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Peter Thomas Senese

* * * * *

For those of you who have not seen the post I made on February 13th, 2013 concerning the children the I CARE Foundation helped bring home, please take the time to read this below:


Over the past two months the I CARE Foundation has played a heavy role in assisting in the planned and successful rescue of 15 young girls who were previously kidnapped and enslaved into the world of the child sex trade in Central America.  The abducted children were all kidnapped from their homes in various countries in Central America and ringled together into one horrible, disgusting working brothel, where they were literally imprisoned as monstrous men and women (yes both men and women) would have their sexual way with them.  Mind you - these victims were children, many who were not yet teenagers.



I AM NOT FOR SALE

Today they are free, reunited with their families, and receiving the medical and psychological care they need. Their respective journeys will be unique to their own circumstances; however, the trauma they shared will bind them forever.  So too, I hope, will the love and care they are receiving, that I pray, will allow them to learn how to trust once again.

The physical health issues and damage done is severe for some of these child victims. It is insane what was done. However, the necessary teams are well underway, providing each with the care they need.

And if you're wondering about the monsters that did what they did to these innocent children, rest assured they will not be victimizing and preying on any young children anytime soon.  Ongoing investigations by the proper trusted authorities continue to work to close down the ancillary abduction rings that prey on children.

The complexities of the journey from enslaved prisoner to becoming a free child are remarkable for each of these children.  Their roads ahead of them will be long and challenging; however, like I said, there are teams in place who are working closely with each child and their now reunited families so that the necessary healing takes place so that perhaps one day, magic will be restored.

I know many of us are committed to this, and I know this commitment is one that I will hold for the rest of my life.

There is no question WHY we must all rise up and fight against predator kidnappers, no matter if that abductor is a parental abductor or stranger abductor.  I remind you that hundreds of children are murdered each year by their parents in the United States alone each year and that felicide is a real threat, particularly amongst parental child abductors.

There is no question WHY we must not permit the child sex trade to exist anywhere in the world. We must renounce places such as Thailand, China, Costa Rica, Columbia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and other impoverished countries, including those in Africa, who turn a blind-eye toward the child sex trade and allow monsters to walk amongst us.

There is no question WHY we must stand and do what is necessary in our own way to protect the innocence of a child, regardless if that child is targeted for abduction and trafficking or if that child sees the world in a different way due, say to being on the autism spectrum.  The point being, children should never know abuse.

Several months ago, I announced the production of a film on international child abduction titled '150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children', which I have been working on for some time now. The remarkable recovery of these young children will be shared in our film, in hope that the message shared will further push world governments into understanding that each nation really needs to have international abduction prevention laws and policies that make it extremely difficult for children to be illegally removed from one nation to another.  Of course there is a whole agenda of policy shifts we will address. 

So . . . our work continues. 

I would like to thank all of our friends who kept and keep these children and their families in their prayers.  They all have a long road ahead of them and surely will need your continued prayer. 

But step by step, the lives of these children and their families are being put back together, and we're doing whatever is necessary to help bring back the idea that life really can be magical.

In fact, yesterday I had an opportunity to speak with several of the young children.

What did I say?

I reminded each of them that life is magical and that they have to have fun. And that I am so proud of each of them, and of course, I will see them again real soon . . . amongst other things.

I know they know the love I have for them, and am blessed to know that these children have embraced my caring.  Most of all, I am comforted in knowing that they have embraced the care giving extended to them by professionals who are able to attend to their issues.

* * *

Every once in a while I reflect upon my journey into the world of abduction.  At the pinnacle of my thoughts is the promise I made to one day help other children and their families targeted or taken during the time when I was Chasing The Cyclone.

The I CARE Foundation has directly come to the assistance of over 100 families over the past 14 months.  We have helped bring home a significant number of abducted children while preventing the abduction of many more children.  We have helped create and lobby for new laws and policies that will protect children from abduction, and have taken our agendas onto the world stage.  We have built an attorney network -educating as many professionals and parents - on abduction prevention and reunification.  And we have a very big agenda for 2013 that I am confident will make a big impact in the fight to protect children. 

I am very proud of our organization and our members.  But most of all, I am very proud of the parents I have come to know and care deeply about who have fought for their children.  Truth is, I have many friends in my life, but the parents who I have come to know over the past 7 years have become my family, and their children my adopted nieces and nephews, many who I speak to often.

Last night, I had the chance to speak to my dear friend Amanda's two young daughters, who I absolutely love. 

Several years ago, when Amanda first contacted me, her daughters were at great risk of abduction to Saudi Arabia, and asked for assistance in ensuring that her children would not be kidnapped to a nation that women had no rights.  Well, we did what we had to do, and the children are safe . . . and I intend to ensure that they are always safe.

And over the years, I have spent some wonderful time with Amanda and her two daughters, including time at Disney World.

So last night, as I often do, I called Amanda right before the girls went to bed to find out about their day and to wish them a good night. 

The last words they said to me before I hung up the phone was, "Good Night, Peter Pan."

It is a reminder that children should never be left in Neverland.

A Planned Christmas Child Abduction - That Is Not Going To Happen

Several weeks ago the I CARE Foundation began an educational campaign reminding parents that the Christmas Holiday Season is International Parental Child Abduction Season.   In an effort to raise awareness, I had written a series of essays that were posted on an assortment of websites.

Our warning to parents to be mindful of the possibility of abduction during this time of year must be taken seriously.

Earlier today, one of the I CARE Foundation's board members was contacted by a parent who shared information with one of our directors concerning the other parent of the child.  What she shared included:

1. A strained relationship that included acts of abuse.

2. A new-found 'love' by the other parent and desire to make the partnership work.

3. A request to travel abroad to that other parent's family, which so happens to be the country of origin and citizenship of the partner.

4. A recent selling of a car for at least $7,500.00; however, no deposit of the sale has occurred in any bank accounts the inquiring parent has access to or is aware of.

5. Discovery of the child's educational transcripts.

6.  Recent shipment of clothing to help out 'the poor'.

7. Late night 'walks' that appear to be time when secretive phone calls are made as indicated by discovery of international pre-paid calling cards.

8. A previous false claim 2 months ago of domestic violence.

After hearing of these events, the I CARE Foundation board member made some suggestions that might give more clarity on whether an international parental child abduction is planned.

Sure enough - the parent followed the instruction provided.  Discovery unquestionably shows abduction during the Holiday is planned.

 . . . It may be planned . . . but it sure is not going to happen.

Friends - pay attention to this article below, share it, re-post it, talk about it .... but get the information out.

Chasing The Cyclone
by
Peter Thomas Senese 

Parents Dealing With Divorce Should Not Let Their Children Travel Abroad With The Other Parent During The Christmas Holiday Season - International Parental Child Abduction.

The Christmas Holiday Season is also one of the most prominent times of year when many children are internationally abducted by one parent from another. It is critically important that any parent who is in a partnership with an individual who originates from or has family abroad to be highly suspect of the possibility of international parental child abduction during this time of year.

As in all cases of parental abduction, these crimes against children are well-thought-out, well-planned and designed to catch a targeted parent off-guard and unsuspecting that a horrible scheme is underway to have their child taken. 

And the schemes that eventually see children abducted or illegally detained abroad are being carried out right now.

However, if you know the warning signs to look for, parents have a fair chance of protecting their child or children from abduction. 

With 100,000 to 125,000 American Children and anywhere from 12,500 to 20,000 Canadian children reported to be expected to be internationally abducted over the next ten years DO NOT STICK YOUR HEAD IN THE GROUND:  International parental child abduction is a pandemic that silently steals children.  

Don't let your child be abducted.  Educate yourself.

You should know only an estimated 10% of all children internationally abducted ever come home. 

What To Look For

In many instances of cross-border parental child abduction that occurs during the holiday season, generally the largest number of incidents takes place when one parent travels to another country with their child or children of a relationship accompanied by, or with the initial consent of the other parent.  

Generally, the travel takes place under a guise of a holiday trip abroad to visit family members of the parent intending to abduct.  Of course, the targeted parent is clueless as to what is really going on. 

So for example, Father X was born and raised in the Middle East but married Woman Y, who is an American citizen.  The couple lives in the United States, where their child was born and raised. 

Unknown to the the woman in the relationship, the husband wants to end the relationship and relocate back to his country of origin back in the Middle East.  However, he has one problem: he knows that his wife will never allow for him to legally take the child with him.

So instead of announcing his true intent to separate, the husband will create critically important misdirection.  Meaning, he will do everything possible to make his wife believe that he is happy and committed in the relationship.   

I did say everything possible.  

Why? 

Becuase it is critical that she put her guard down and not suspect any foul play or scheme.

In the meantime, little things - that are really big things - may be taking place visibly or without knowledge of the targeted parent.  There are many warning signs to look for, but if the subtleties are not carefully considered, then the would-be abductor will get away with their plan.

So the husband who is intending to abduct the child by wrongfully detaining the child abroad will continue to create a facade of being happily married and committed to the relationship while carefully laying out a plan to get the child abroard.

Eventually, and right about this time of the year, the would-be abductor makes the suggestion that it would be 'great' or 'nice' or 'meaningful' to travel abroad together or without the other parent (depending on reasonable circumstances) in order to see his parents, siblings, and extended family.  And of course, all of this is in the best interest of the child of the partnership. 

Now, since the wife may believe the husband is committed to their relationship and does not even consider that he may have intent to not return to their marital home, she more than likely is willing to consent to the holiday vacation. 

Unfortunately for the mother and child, the trip takes place.  

Unknown to both, the parent intending to abduct has already hatched a well-thought out plan, including what may be necessary to keep the child abroad while removing the other parent's rights to the child abroad. 

Everything is deception - and everything must be considered. 

For example: the husband may ship certain belongings like a crib or a stroller and other items of the child that may create the appearnace the other parent knew he was relocating - and gave consent! Or, he may have begun to move his assets abroad. 

Once abroad with his wife and child, the woudl-be abductor may make false accusations of child or spousal abuse (men and women both claim abuse in cases of of planned abduction), claims of drug use, or any other claim that may indicate that the child is at risk.

By stating the child is at risk, this could potentially allow a local court in the foreign country to grant him immediate custody of the child - even though the child's original jurisdiction is in the country they were born and raised.  In addition, in cases where a Hague Application may be filed, the abductor has laid ground for an Article 13 Defense (which evolves around the best interest of the child). 

If it sounds complicated, it is. 

It is important for individuals married or in a relationship with partners who originate from non-Hague countries such as those located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to understand that if you are traveling to nations located in these areas and the other parent intends to not return to the child to the country of original jurisdiction, there is a very good chance they will be successful in keeping the child abroad . . . and your contact will be limited or absolved completely. Additionally, it is important to pay careful attention to Hague-Convention non-complying countries such as Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Poland. 

Of course, if you ever plan to travel abroad and have been involved in a suspecious or strained relationship, please contact an attorney who is familiar with international parental child abduction prevention.  

Though I am not an attorney, I would highly advise you consider obtaining a court order prior to travel that the child is to be returned.  However, remember - in countries that are not members of internatinal treaties regarding abduction or do not comply to such said treaties - if a child is taken - it will be very costly and difficult to bring your child home. 

So - if you have any suspecion that an abduction might be planned - and this time of year is the planning period for the high number of Christmas Holiday Abductions that occur - seek the advice of a qualified lawyer - and do not let your child travel abroad under any circumstance.  Pay attention to the warning signs and act now!

Raising Awareness - The Power Of A Book

The American Flag

and

U.S. Senate Citation

As many know, I am committed to not only raising awareness about child abduction, but through the I CARE Foundation I am the Founding Director of, I am absolutely committed to stopping abduction by creating new laws and policiies that help prevent abduction or reunite children  who have been abducted.  And whenever possible, the I CARE Foundation will do what is necessary to help safely and legally bring a child home - something we have accomplished on numerous occassions thus far this year. 

I am pleased to share my deeply inspired novel Chasing The Cyclone continues to have a significant impact on a large and growing number of children and targeted parents of international abduction.  

In fact, the natural progress of events beginning from the initial e-book publication of Chasing The Cyclone led to the creation of the not-for profit I CARE Foundation.  I am happy to share that through the efforts of the I CARE Foundation dozens of children who have either been internationally kidnapped or who have been targeted for international abduction have either been safely reunited with their families or were actually protected from abduction, and remain safely home.

This is a fairly significant statement when considering that the foundation's volunteer reunification efforts represents a  noteworthy number of all American children who have come home.  Truth is, the majority of children will never come home. Some simply can't: they are gone forever.

And this sentiment is not a piece of fiction: it is reality.  And it sucks. And it is worth standing up and fighting for.

Best-Selling Author
Peter Thomas Senese 

I think for any author, the biggest goal when writing any book is to have an impact on your intended audience.  The financial success of a book is obviously important; however, the desire to influence others is the real intent.

And with dozens of children either rescued or protected from abduction thus far, combined with the many initiatives the I CARE Foundation has under way that will further help others, I am pleased with Chasing The Cyclone's impact thus far. But there is a long way to go.

Having seen first-hand the horrors of abduction, I am committed to continuing fighting this fight. Fortunately, governments from around the world are taking notice of the I CARE Foundation's work - which means we're making a difference. 

In fact, last month I had the opportunity to participate in the United State's Department of State's 'International Visitor Leadership Program' at the United State's Mission to the United Nations concerning the foundation's advanced work in child abduction and human trafficking prevention.  It was a great honor, particularly when considering some of the incredible global leaders who have previously participated in the program. 

Unquestionably, the publication of 'Chasing The Cyclone' has helped many parents and children:  new laws have been passed, new policies implemented, and new legislation that could help stop abduction and trafficking is on the horizon - and children are home. 

From Left to Right

Chris Morris, Eugene Pothy &

I CARE Founder Peter Thomas Senese

My financial commitment to the I CARE Foundation and support of the organization's efforts to help children remains steadfast as shared by I CARE Board Member, Hague Convention Attorney Network member and highly respect attorney Joel Walter in a very kind article he shared on his website. In fact, I have donated 100% of all of my various novel's proceeds over the past year to the I CARE Foundation: it is a commitment I intend to continue (outside of the month of November, when all proceeds will be donated to help victims of Hurricane Sandy).

Being able to assist the I CARE Foundation has been a responsibility of mine that in truth has been a privilege to uphold.   But truth is, nearly seven years ago I never even knew the collective words international parental child abduction were.  Nor did I realize that I was one of a surging number of individuals who were not familiar with this vonocular.  And quite frankly, at that time, most individuals in society did not realize the severity of this crime or what a chasing parent will go through to safely bring home their child.  Nor did they realize that sociopathic tendancies of an abusive abductor, who, not only would kidnap a child, but would attempt to slander and defame the targted other parent because international law has established a loophole known as the 'Abductors Defense' (Hague Convention: Article 13) that know targeted parent is immune from.

To read about Chasing The Cyclone's impact, click here.  To purchase Chasing The Cyclone, please visit Amazon or BN.                                     

Most of all, if you are in a multi-cultural relationship and you think there may be a chance that your spouse or partner may try to abduct your child during the coming holiday season, please pay attention to the information I have provided.  International parental child abduction is only three degrees of seperation from impacting someone you know.

THE I CARE FOUNDATION

New York Police Officer Fights To Reuntie With Internationally Kidnapped Child

For most parents, the thought of having a child internationally abducted appears to be remote idea that is far removed from their own lives.  The problem is that thought is not correct.  According to studies published by the highly repsected I CARE Foundation, there could be as many as 100,000 and 125,000 American children and as many as 20,000 Canadian children internationally kidnapped over the next 10 years.

That means that each person is 3 degrees from separation from knowing a parent who has had a child internationally kidnapped.

If you don't think this could happen to you, you better think again. In fact, CM is a decorated active duty police officer living in New York City who was prior to his career in law enforcement, was a New York City Firefighter.  CM has a life-long history of dedicating himself to others. 

Tragically, CM had his young daughter abducted to Germany three years ago.  Until now, he has been quite about his and his child's fate as he attempted to navigate the legal channels available to him in order to safely bring her home . . . only to find that the remedies available to him were no remedy out all.

I invite you to read about CM and his struggle to protect his at-risk child kidnapped overseas.  CM is one of the good guys . . . he is a man every parent would hope their child turned out to be like.

If you are a reporter interested in learning more about CM, please feel free to contact me at peter@stopchildabduction.org. Please visit the official website of Peter Thomas Senese's Chasing The Cyclone for more information on international parental child abduciton.

Novelist Peter Thomas Senese Helps Finance The I CARE Foundation's Activity To Help Abducted Children

 

Published 2:30 p.m.      October 17th, 2012                      Los Angeles and New York
Georgia (default) Verdana Times New Roman Arial

(Page 1 of 2)

In an ongoing effort to help protect children from international parental child abduction, best-selling author and child advocate Peter Thomas Senese, the author of several internationally heralded novels including 'Chasing The Cyclone', 'The Den of the Assassin', and 'Cloning Christ' has donated 100% of his e-book royalties to the International Child Abduction Research and Enlightenment Foundation ( known as the I CARE Foundation), a New York based not-for-profit organization he is the founding director of that was created to help stop international child abduction.  In addition, to his donation stemming from his writing, Peter Senese has continued to provide additional financial support to the foundation in an effort to support its various activities.

 New York City based attorney Joel Walter, a board member of the I CARE Foundation who has been practicing complex family law for nearly 40 years commented about Mr. Senese ongoing support to help protect children of abduction when he said, "Mr. Senese's continual financial support and dedication to children through his generous financial support of the I CARE Foundation has had a great influence on so many lives. It is with generous support such as what Peter has previously provided, what he continues to provide, and his honorable pledge for future support that the foundation, in part, has been able to create more than a few miracles. For example, as some of you may not be aware of, legally reuniting with a child wrongfully detained in Africa, and safely creating a path to bring that child or children back home to the United States is a very difficult task. One that has not happened too often in the grave world of international child abduction. In fact, It is a rarity.  There are numerous cases like this from all around the world.  The majority of which are not publicly mentioned due to the nature and severity of the situation . . . but they exist, and I know this first-hand because of my role with the foundation. In fact, I have said often that any person out there trying to help children is doing God's work.  And I strongly and undeniably say that about my wonderful friend Peter Thomas Senese. He asks for nothing, gives so much of his time, his money, his spirit, and his knowledge in hope of protecting others who can't defend themselves.  In the process, he never speaks poorly about anyone, but instead is the eternal optimist. Again - he's doing God's work. Along the way, Peter Thomas Senese's leadership and financial support of the I CARE Foundation has been extremely generous. His gifting comes from not only the direct donation of sales from his novels, but also directly from his own resources. Some  may not know this, but I will never forget when Peter was forced into the storms of abduction - I was there from the beginning and was the first person he turned to when we filed his own Hague Convention application- he said he would do his best to make a difference in this fight to help children.  It was a fight I quickly joined him on. And so, our work continues years later in great part initially because Peter was willing to step up to make a difference.  Something he continues to do."

Peter Thomas Senese's geopolitical novels include CHASING THE CYCLONE, THE DEN OF THE ASSASSIN, and CLONING CHRIST. All three titles are available in E-book. Chasing The Cyclone will be released in hardcover this Christman, while both CLONING CHRIST and THE DEN OF THE ASSASSIN are presently available in hardcover.

"It has been extremely pleasing to know that my writing has served a higher purpose: to help protect children.  Fortunately, I have had the means to make a difference in this fight. Additionally, it has been incredible to see, as an author, the incredible impact of Chasing The Cyclone . . . so much started from the idea of a book.  That seed has grown into the I CARE Foundation, which I am thrilled to be a part of. My support of the foundation will continue to the best of my ability," added Senese.

To purchase Peter's books, please visit Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

The Privilege Of Helping Others

Recently, I have received a number of incredibly appreciative phone calls and letters from parents and family members that the I CARE Foundation and I have helped concering child abduction prevention or assisting in the recovery of an internationally kidnapped child. They remind me and everyone else associated with the I CARE Foundation just how important it is to help one another and act in good citizenship, particularly when it comes to trying to protect children from being abducted abroad.

These letters (Letters To Peter Thomas Senese) written from the hearts of many parents speak loudly about the privelage we all have when we can make a giant difference for others.

Helping others is nothing new to me. I have been very blessed in my life, and view the opportunit to do so as a privelage and responsibility.     

When we help others, we may be that person's hero, and heroes are important; however, we act in kindness because that is simply what we are suppose to do. 


In reflecting about this privelage, I have decided to take a look at the definition of the word 'Help'.

Accordingly, to  'Help' (verb)is:

1. to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need;  to contribute strength or means to; render assistance to; cooperate effectively with; aid; assist:

2. to save; rescue; succor:

3. to make easier or less difficult; contribute to; facilitate:

In the coming months, the I CARE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization I am a director of, will be moving forward on an assortment of legislative initiatives that will help protect children and their targeted parents from abduction. 

I know first-hand that our efforts are both a responsibility and privelage.   It is our intent to:

1. Modify the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative so all individuals traveling abroad must present a valid passport regardless age and type of travel.

2. Create a secure screening list for individuals determined by courts or law enforcement as high-risk child abductors who posses a right to U.S. citizenship similar to the existing Prevent Departure Program that only applies to individuals who do not posses a right of American citizenship.

So if your really interested in assisting, on behalf of the I CARE Foundation, we would welcome your assistance. All you need to do is send an email to mediarelations@stopchildabduction.org. 

Walking Amongst Heros: Child Advocate Peter Thomas Senese's Insight On Fighting International Parental Child Abduction

                                                           

Walking Amongst Heros By Peter Thomas Senese

The not-for-profit I CARE Foundation that I am proud to be a board member and founding director of has gradually become a visible stakeholder in the world of international parental child abduction prevention and reunification with a large and growing list of impressive accomplishments.  The Foundation's Board of Directors and Advisory Board are made up of some of the most dedicated volunteer child advocates imaginable. They give of their full resources at levels that are unheard of. Remarkably, the efforts of the I CARE Foundation's Board have not been in vain: there are many children from all around the world who today are either back home after previously being internationally parentally kidnapped, or, they remained at home because the plan to internationally abduct them was prevented, in great part due to the action of the I CARE Foundation.

Granted, the accomplishments of the I CARE Foundation are impressive by any standard: the I CARE Foundation has orchestrated numerous LEGAL international child abduction recoveries and reunification, heavily participated in exponentially more successful acts to prevent abduction from occurring, our ongoing groundbreaking research in the area of international child abduction and trafficking has provided new, accurate, and insightful information as to the severity of the global epidemic society as a whole has before it, our comprehensive and expansive reporting of our research findings has led other stakeholders to protect numerous children from abduction while allowing us to significantly advance our legislative initiatives, some of which have either already become law or agency policy, while legislative initiatives are moving forward in a manner we could hope for.  Additionally, we continue to build a national network of pro bono lawyers who participate in the U.S. Department of State's 'Hague Convention Attorney Network', while nearing completion for the first-ever international child abduction case law data base.

In their own way, the selfless acts that produce a great good for others as demonstrated by the members of the foundation exemplify what it is to be a hero.

However, in my mind, the true heroes that each member of the I CARE Foundation walks amongst are the incredible mothers and fathers who are either trying to protect their children from being abducted, or, who are doing everything possible to find and reunite with their internationally kidnapped children. These parents unquestionably, unequivocally, and undeniably are true heroes.

You may ask why I consider these targeted parents heroes?

Well, if you ever were a parent who was targeted for abduction, you would then understand just how much it takes to stand up to the destructive monster known as international parental child abduction.  Truth is, and it is unfortunate, but it is not difficult for a clever scheming parent to abduct a child internationally. And the laws nor society's understanding of the severity of this problem are not on the immediate side of a parent trying to protect their child from abduction. 

Imagine that: it is significantly easier for a person to illegally abduct a child than it is for a parent to either prevent a child's abduction from occurring or bring their child home after abduction.

Over the years, I have an incredible amount of targeted parents.  The vast majority have given everything in their life to protect their child or children.  Truth is, the financial strain is - not 'could be' - but is unbearable. The emotional loss is unlike anything imaginable because a targeted parent, particularly one searching for their abducted child, dies a thousand deaths a day not knowing where their child is and if their child is safe. Remember: evil things generally follow bad acts. And child abduction is a more than a bad act: it is an evil act against both the taken child and targeted parent.

Still, despite the hardships, which include all too often a failure for the courts we trust to enforce laws or treaties that were created to protect our children, these heroic parents of abduction march on knowing that they will face one stone wall after another.

Despite this, they continue their plight.  For the majority, there is no other way than forward toward reunification.

They may not see themselves as heroes, but their is no mistaken that by act and dedication, these parents are heroes.

And many, in their own special way, remind all of us of how important it is to stand up and defend those who can't defend themselves.  As they move forward into the storms of abduction, and as we see their plight, we are reminded that we too - all of us - society as a whole - must do better for amongst us are our children's heroes who are counting on them to bring them safely home.

Today, there is a significant chance to help children targeted for abduction.

Many friends of the I CARE Foundation have expressed an interest in helping in our community efforts to prevent international child abduction and human trafficking.

Well, we're getting ready to share the full details of our legislative iinitiatives and can use as much help as possible. Part of our immediate focus is to draw the issues of child abduction and trafficking into the U.S. presidential election debate since America alone is expected to have between 100,000 and 125,000 children internationally kidnapped over the next decade at a cost of over Six Billion dollars to the U.S. economy and citizens (Canada is proportionately on scale based upon its population).

Our immediate legislative initiatives include:

1. Modify the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative so all individuals traveling abroad must present a valid passport regardless age and type of travel.

2. Create a secure screening list for individuals determined by courts or law enforcement as high-risk child abductors who posses a right to U.S. citizenship similar to the existing Prevent Departure Program that only applies to individuals who do not posses a right of American citizenship.

So if your really interested in assisting, on behalf of the I CARE Foundation, we would welcome your assistance. All you need to do is send an email to mediarelations@stopchildabduction.org.