My heart is broken'

Please forgive me. I'm sitting here at the computer with a bottle of whiskey to keep me company and I'm desolate, broken, and down in the dumps. Can I appeal to your better nature to spare a thought for a fellow 'Catter who is in serious trouble.

Let me tell you what is troubling me. Myself and my wife Maura are veteran foster parents. Over the years, tidal waves of waifs and strays have arrived on our doorstep and have never been turned away. We suffered in their coming and their going…. but it was a dirty job and somebody has got to do it!

Then came Axel. We got him when he was three days old. He was the product of a difficult and dysfunctional relationship. Normally we would only have a kid in this situation for six months or so, but because of the inefficiency of the social workers over here in the south west of Ireland, he somehow fell through the cracks.

From day one he and I became great friends. I introduced him to acoustic rock and roll and to the finer points if Irish traditional music. He was quick to pick up on it because my Axel was as bright as a button and with a face like a plateful of Mortal Sins.

To cut to the chase……This little guy and myself have had a great time together for the past 18 months. Then on Monday last I had to hand him over to his father who had eventually decided that it was time to shoulder a bit of responsibly.

My problem is that I think that his Dad, who will have control over this youngster's life is a total asshole. He is narrow, bigoted, racist and possessed of a pigmy intellect. Who am I to judge, but I greatly fear for my little man.

And his mother is dysfunctional. She is French, fucked and feckless. I'm sorry……..words fail me…I got to end here.

Mickey