Restitution

I mentioned in my post "Not Without Manipulation," that something else was relayed through our lawyer to us from Patrick's attorney. Patrick would like to pay restitution. In the Christian community, this is a big deal. Many individuals, especially the ones that believe Patrick is and has been repentant, would consider this to be Patrick's final biblical obligation to our family. Biblically, I am not even going to touch this. I am underwhelmed by Patrick's offer. More than two years later, Patrick wants to pay restitution. It's about time.

How does one come up with a monetary number in this type of case?

What monetary value do you put on a child's innocence being stolen?

What monetary value do you put on betrayal?

Do we count the time Eric took off work to help his family cope emotionally? Do we count his time off work for court dates, or for his therapy to deal with the anger this caused him?

What about my therapy?

What about the therapy for the child that was used to gain access to the victim?

How do we predict future costs of therapy for our child?

Do we consider our moving cost?

What monetary value do we put on a loss of community?

What monetary value do we put on anxiety?

What monetary value do we put on the negative impact this had on my other children?

I am not talking about an inanimate object being broken and the restitution to replace it. I am not talking about a knee injury that occurred in a negligent automobile accident needing restitution.

If I were able to come up with a number, the Bible says proper restitution is seven times the total amount. Should I expect that from Patrick?

Here's a more important question: What about Patrick's sister's that are in hiding? We cannot forget about them or stop looking for their father, Eddie Rojas!! When will he turn himself in for those crimes? When will Patrick pay restitution for his crimes against them?