I want to pause and talk to Tad for a minute because I think this is one of the cases where the person we are taking about might be searching the web to determine his next move and evade capture. He could easily stumble on this site.
Tad, if you are reading, I understand that you hit a place in your life where you longed for a deep connection, to find a level of excitement and romance you may not have experienced in a long time. And I understand you likely feel a deep connection to this student, that she may even seem to need someone like you to watch out for her, and that you may feel you are doing the right thing by giving her a new life...even if it's unconventional.
But I also think there is part of you that questions your own choice.
I understand that you have spent the majority of your adult life contributing good to your community. You have invested in students for years and seem to have an active faith as well. Neighbors and acquaintances agree you have always been the type of person who has extended yourself to help others. And most importantly, you have raised a family. You have children you care about and grandchildren who you want the best for.
Because of all this good in you, I also believe that there will be times when you begin to doubt whether you've made the right choice. Times when you wonder if you really did the best thing for this student--if she should have to give up socializing and having fun like a normal teenager to hide away the rest of her life. If she should have to give up the very basic step of earning her high school diploma. If she should have to cut ties to her siblings.
You may begin to look back on your previous choice and realize it was somewhat emotion filled and impulsive...that it set you on a path that isn't realistic to stay on. You may even question at some point--when the challenges of this new reality set in--if you REALLY want to trade in everything you have ever been and could be with your family. And you may decide that if you really love this girl, that it is unfair to ask her to make such a drastic adjustment. That she may need the stability of ongoing contact with her family and community of origin.
In these times, I want to encourage you that you still have an opportunity to make a respectable decision and redeem how you will be remembered by arranging to safely return this girl to her community. The police have said your sentencing can be greatly reduced if you act, of your own free will, to restore the situation rather than waiting until someone notices you or tracks you down. While it's true, your life will be different, it sounds like you needed a change anyways. If you can take responsibility, you can find new ways to live that allow you to stay in connection with the people who call you Dad and Poppa. You can get support from other people of faith, and from counselors, and sleep with a clear conscience again. You don't have to spend every waking moment for the rest of your life in fear of being hunted.
Please don't let yourself go to an irrational place when you feel anxious. Even in your darkest hour,God can still hear you wherever you are and there are people who are still wishing for your well-being.
If you get into a sticky scenario, please don't use your firearms in an effort to prevent being captured and risk this girl's life and your own as well as the lives of other good people. Surrender peacefully and give this girl the gift of growing up in freedom. Lay down your own preferences for her ultimate, long term well-being. That is real love.
Give your children and grandchildren peace of mind to not lay awake worrying and wondering about you every single day. Lay down your own preferences for their well-being. That is real love.
God be with you and help you find a path to restoring yourself.
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