It's A Love Story

Here we go again still unfolding the beginning of this dramatic all too true tale of terror. Shortly after beginning their new relationship Anthony and Dawn conceived a child. However, no one was aware that this was the case except for Dawn. She kept her pregnancy a secret from everyone while she proceeded to drink heavily on a daily basis at the tender age of sixteen. One can only wonder where her parents were while she managed to be a teenage pregnant alcoholic, but alas that is a whole other story which we will address at a later time. Thinking as many teens do that maybe they were mistaken about being pregnant Dawn took another pregnancy test which she left in the trash of her bathroom. Unbeknownst to Dawn her mother Terese found the evidence of her impending motherhood.



While Terese and Anthony thought that he was the only gentleman in Dawns life they were both mistaken. Although she was aware and condoned a sexual relationship between Anthony and her daughter Terese when she found out that Dawn was pregnant chose to pursue statutory rape charges against Anthony. Anthony was promptly arrested and taken to the county jail for processing. However, once interviewed by the police Dawn specified that the sexual relationship that the two shared was one that was consensual. Anthony who was now nearly 19 had the charges dropped to sex with a minor as both he and Dawn’s relationship was one that was well known within the law enforcement community due to their participation in the program for young adults.


Dawn and Anthony were forbidden from seeing one another. The days passed and Dawn’s belly grew and grew as she continued to drink and drink. On March 18, 1998 their daughter Danae was born happy and healthy with the exception of the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) that she was born with courtesy of her mother’s preferred prenatal care. Anthony was not there when Danae was born. After being arrested for having his relationship with Dawn he was informed that Dawn was unaware of the father of her baby. According to her there were 5 potential fathers. Yes, I said 5. How a 16 year old could be so freaking promiscuous is absolutely beyond me but once the story progresses and you realize what we are dealing with you might begin to understand.


This story is just beginning. As if things couldn’t get any worse Terese became very involved with Danae and her upbringing as she and Dawn lived with her and her husband Ralph. By 2 months old Danae had been moved nearly 6 times between 4 different states, child protective services was involved in her well being by age 6 months, and in her first year Danae has had lice approximately 5 times. At 9 months old there was a paternity test done on all men and it was conclusively proven that Anthony was Danae’s father. Although Anthony was not able to finally meet his daughter for the first time until she was 14 months old. Throughout the first year there were major milestones not met and no one was absolutely sure as to why. Once the questions were asked and answered more about Danae’s health came into focus, however, in the very near future Danae’s world would be turned upside down.

I get that this post is incredibly dry.  I promise that it gets better!!!