Introduction
Today marks a significant day in my life—14 years ago, my son, Eli Giovanni Samuels, was born. Reflecting on the day he entered this world, I’m filled with immense pride, joy, and deep emotions that words can barely express. Of all I have done, accomplished, and become in this life, my greatest achievement is my son. Eli is more than just a reflection of me; he is the embodiment of love, perseverance, and the future I work tirelessly to build.
The bond between a father and his son is one that cannot be compared to anything else. It’s a connection that transcends the ordinary and speaks to the depths of our nature as men—to guide, protect, and nurture the next generation. As a father, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for Eli. My experiences in life have shaped me into the man I am today, and above all, they have strengthened my resolve to ensure that my son has the opportunities and protection he deserves.
The Journey to Fatherhood
Eli was born on August 20, 2010, a day that will forever stand out in my memory. His birth brought with it a new chapter in my life—one filled with challenges, but also unparalleled joy. Being a father isn’t just about providing financially or being present; it’s about being a mentor, protector, and supporter in every facet of life. Every smile, every tear, every milestone is etched into my heart.
My relationship with Eli has been tested, as life has thrown us obstacles that no parent should have to endure. But through it all, we remain strong. The circumstances of my wrongful and unlawful conviction in Arizona, followed by my deportation back to Belize, put a strain on our ability to be physically together. But it has never broken our bond. The love I have for him is the fuel that drives me to seek justice, not only for myself but for the world he is growing up in.
What a Father Will Do for His Child
As a father, there is nothing I won’t do to protect my son. History has shown us that fathers, when pushed to the brink, will move mountains to protect their children. We see examples from around the world of fathers who have gone to extraordinary lengths to secure the safety and future of their children. From historical figures like Nelson Mandela, who endured decades of imprisonment to fight for a future free from apartheid for his children and all children of South Africa, to present-day fathers who have led movements, fought in wars, and taken on governments to ensure their children’s rights are upheld.
In my own life, I’ve had to fight against the injustice of a system that sought to tear me away from my son. The Arizona justice system and its actors violated my human rights and unlawfully separated me from my child, yet I have never stopped fighting. The ongoing legal battles, including my efforts to highlight the misconduct of individuals like David R. Foster and Lori Eidemanis, are not just about my personal vindication—they are about ensuring that Eli grows up in a world where justice and fairness are more than just words, but lived realities.
Real-Life Examples of a Father’s Love and Sacrifice
In recent years, we have seen inspiring examples of fathers who, like me, have refused to let any obstacle come between them and their children. Consider the case of Emory University professor Abdullahi An-Na’im, who fled Sudan to protect his children from political persecution, or even my own efforts to assert my legal rights and reunite with my son despite the barriers placed before me by both U.S. immigration and the Arizona Department of Corrections.
When looking at these examples, one thing becomes clear: there is no limit to what a father will do for his children. Whether it’s sacrificing personal freedoms, enduring public scorn, or standing up against systems of power and oppression, a father’s love is unbreakable. My own life is a testament to this fact. The strength that Eli gives me is unmatched. Every legal document I prepare, every case I fight, and every song I write is imbued with the thought of my son and the future I want him to inherit.
The Future with Eli
As Eli grows into a young man, my goal is to continue being the best father I can be, not just through words but through actions. I want to ensure that he knows the sacrifices I’ve made, the battles I’ve fought, and the legacy I am building for him. It’s my duty to ensure he walks in a world where justice prevails, where the wrongs of the past are corrected, and where he can pursue his dreams free of the chains that once held me down.
This blog is not just a celebration of Eli’s 14th birthday but a reminder of the depth of love and commitment I have as his father. My most proud accomplishment is being a father to Eli Giovanni Samuels, and there is nothing I won’t do to protect and guide him into adulthood. Eli, I love you more than words can say. Every day with you is a gift, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that you live a life of freedom, justice, and love.
Happy birthday, my son. You are my world.
– Ewing Samuels
