Lost In The Void

Lost in the Void, L.M. Walker, AuthorHouse, 2005

This is the true story of Lana, an American living and working in Germany. Her marriage to Sean had not been going well, and they were trying to reconcile. After being told that she could not get pregnant, she found herself pregnant with twins. She felt that she couldn't ask Sean to become their father, even though he was very willing to do so, and had been there for Lana throughout the pregnancy. Her only alternative was to move to England with Tom, her boss, who seemed willing to provide for twin girls Nya and Keara. It turned out to be a huge mistake.

For months, they lived in an unheated, unfinished cottage paid for by Tom that used to be stables. He suddenly became demanding and inconsiderate, spending as little time with the girls as possible. He was away at work all day, and when he was home, he spent most of his time on his laptop computer. Later, after they moved to a real apartment, the two separated, Lana keeping custody of the girls. Lana's family, in America, begged her to take the girls and return to America. That window was closed when Tom asserted his visitation rights in court, even though he wasn't the birth father, mandating that the court confiscate Lana's passport.

After one overnight visit with Tom, both girls came home showing strong evidence of sexual abuse. Lana couldn't understand why Tom isn't thrown in jail. Many trips to the local doctor later, the injuries haven't healed. After a considerable period away from Tom, and the injuries still haven't healed, the only "logical" answer is that Lana, their mother, has been sexually abusing her children (a charge she strongly denies).

There are many court appearances at which Tom asserts that Lana has deliberately turned the girls against their father. Custody of the children is taken away from Lana, and they are placed in foster care. Lana falls into a deep pit of depression, taking to alcohol and pills. Suicide is suddenly very tempting. Her visits with the children are strictly controlled and take place at the local social worker's office. They are monitored for any "evidence" that Lana is controlling or manipulating the girls. Throughout this whole process, both girls make it as clear as possible that daddy hurts them and that they want to live with Mommy. Part of the reason why Tom wins every battle in the courts is that he is a fellow British citizen and Lana is, as one social worker put it, a "rude and obnoxious American."

To anyone who is moving overseas to live with a new spouse, especially if children are involved, be prepared. Know the laws of the other country ahead of time. Don't assume that Mr. or Ms. Right "would never do something like that.' Also, don�t assume that the US Embassy will be there to help. Then, read this book. It's rather unpleasant reading, but recommended.