So I kind of stink at removing and quoting a portion of a previous post...I'm responding to you, my brother Carlos. I see what you're saying...a fair amount of damage is done and the time lost is never returned. Injuries suffered in childhood take work to overcome, but, relate it to the case of our own childhood experience. I know this is kind of personal, but considering all our own father did (or didn't do) during our formative years, it all could have been improved SO much had he simply "grown up" later on, given a sincere apology, and made a real attempt at being a father. Yes, should all avenues fail to produce results towards bringing Sage home while he still resembles a child, the two of you will have to "get to know eachother" once again when he is older, but it will happen. Children, even after they grow up, have an inherent desire to be loved by a mother and a father. When a loving parent is available, especially when there is proof that they were always there waiting, the child will respond favorably, IMO. In some ways, despite all the tragedy that his mother has caused, Sage is luckier than many children, for he has a father who loves him to the ends of the earth, who will stop at nothing to protect him and to be with him again.
Same goes to all other LBP's who struggle with these feelings...