THIS IS MY LAST BAYNE ENTRY / 607

I have come to the end of the chronicle. I began writing GPS Blog Posts concerning the Baynes two years ago. I coupled that with a Facebook page that I started entitled The Bayne Campaign for Justice. Now after publishing over 600 GPS child protection related entries, I am bringing it to a close. I could continue telling joy-filled Bayne Family details in the months to come but Paul and Zabeth and their children warrant privacy now. The children are not spectacles. Their lives now must center on opportunity rather than history. I also realize that there are innumerable additional cases for which I could write advocacy notes. So I will simply say that for personal reasons I need to conclude this episode of my online journalism.

My initial GPS posts disclose my shock upon learning that two friends had already been living a nightmare for two years. All three Bayne children were in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). I entitled that first post ‘Paul and Zabeth Bayne – Part One - An Alarming Case of BC Government’s Miscarriage of Justice.’

From then until today’s Part 607, I have recounted the entire saga of the Bayne struggle with a Ministry committed to protect children at risk. I didn’t foresee writing daily for two years, investing quite as much emotion, witnessing so strong a network of supporters, watching GPS readership increase to almost 310,000 visits to the blog. That’s good for a local story.

This has been an educational journey for me. I was compelled to read volumes of information, medical, judicial and assorted family stories. I discovered that concern exist in all civilized countries over the enormous authority possessed by Child Protection (CPS). I learned that there are social workers who mean well and do well. I have discerned that social work is necessary, difficult, and sometimes thankless. I have been appreciative of foster parents committed to loving care of children who are not their own but require a provisional home. I have been absolutely dismayed with people who deal dispassionately and discourteously with parents. I have enjoyed new friendships that have begun during this campaign and I have met good, good people who run on humanitarian fuel. I have admired the dedication of Paul and Zabeth to recover their family while conducting themselves with dignity.

I am thrilled with the conclusion for the Baynes. This afternoon I will join scores of other friends as we celebrate with the Bayne Six, this successful survival. I do trust that MCFD will never revisit the Bayne file to encumber the health of this family. I resolutely believe that child protection can be done more compassionately and collaboratively in British Columbia and that MCFD training and practice requires revision.

Thank you for joining me so often along the way and for your advice, counsel and comments. I will keep the comments option open for a few days. Good bye for now.

The afternoon celebration is marked here by Zabeth’s and Paul’s invitation.

Today 1:00pm at 15030 66 A Avenue

We want to extend an invitation to all those who have been praying and supporting us for the return of our children, Kent, Baden, Bethany and Josiah to a celebration party scheduled for Saturday Aug 27 starting at 1:00. Josiah was returned on Aug 2 and our older children are to return on Aug 25. Bible Fellowship Church has opened its doors to us as a host for this special time. We do ask that everyone who can will please bring a food or beverage item. Thanks to all of you for your support and your prayers and we hope that you will join us for this joyous time.

 4:00 PM Addendum: I have just returned from the afternoon party. A great many people were in attendance to see the children and to watch them with Paul and Zabeth, What a wonderful sight. Happy, happy day for the Baynes and many more of us.