Story Background

As an eighteen-year-old college freshman, Carl Lord dedicated his life to Christianity. Vowing to remain a virgin until marriage, Carl’s celibate lifestyle ended at forty-two years of age, resulting in a son being born out of wedlock. After initial threats of abortion and possible abduction by the mother, Carl turned to his faith and the legal system in an attempt to save and gain custody of his little boy.

"Dear Gavin" is an emotional 115 page journey of persistence, divine intervention, and a father’s unquestionable love. Chapters one through fifteen are autobiographical sketches detailing Carl’s childhood, personal relationships, and the events that lead up to his son’s birth. Chapters sixteen through twenty cover the parenting principals, techniques, and various challenges that Carl incorporates and faces as a single dad. The title, "Dear Gavin" is taken from chapter twenty-one. This is Carl’s personal letter to Gavin, telling him how much he loves him and the honor he feels in being his daddy.