Freekeenan's Blog

Missouri Madness: How Clayton, Missouri Destroyed a Father and Son (2009)

The Beginning: A Mistake Turned Malicious

This case began with Sarah Renschen in Clayton, Missouri, making a mistake — then doubling down. Instead of correcting herself, she tacked on more false charges to ruin the life of an innocent, good father. She knew my son should have been sent home, but she pressed forward.

I have been told that she now has backing “from higher up” to pursue her madness of malicious prosecution against the innocent.

Forced Perjury and Blackmail

Clayton, Missouri forced a father and his 13-year-old son to testify against each other on false child abuse and neglect charges. They knowingly placed my son in a position where he would be committing perjury under oath.

When I visited him on June 24th, 2009, someone asked him straight up — in front of his caseworker — if he wanted to live in protected custody or come home to his dad. He told this person (a journalist from the United Kingdom) that he wanted to come home. Of course, after a few too many questions, that journalist was forced to leave the visit.

Clayton, Missouri uses blackmail and intimidation tactics. They told me that if I did not cooperate, or if they lost, they would send Keenan back to Florida juvenile prison with an indeterminate sentence — where he could very well get beaten up or raped by other kids.

And what was his crime? The loss of his mother.

Holidays, Schooling, and Medical Neglect

We came home to Missouri for family support, recommended by Florida, South Carolina, and myself. But since our return, Keenan has been ripped away and deprived of family life:

Easter

Memorial Day

Fourth of July

Family outings

Family, period.

He was even denied appearance at his first trial on June 11th, 2009 and missed all doctor appointments related to his February 23rd, 2009 automobile accident.

They cannot or will not tell me if my brilliant son will graduate to the 8th grade. He has never flunked a grade. On my watch, he was never deprived of holidays, medical care, or family support. Clayton, Missouri has been negligent, incompetent, and intent on passing the buck.

Kidnapping, Drugging, and Nazi Tactics

On April 2nd, 2009, Clayton, Missouri kidnapped my son Keenan from school on a false report. They then forcibly drugged him, despite my explicit instructions not to ever drug him. Sarah Renschen told me in advance they would drug him — she had him drugged.

All of this was based on Sarah Renschen’s opinion — a woman with no children of her own. Keenan’s mom had just passed away. How do you expect a child to act after something so devastating, especially on top of the Florida abuse he had already endured?

They stop at nothing to keep children for federal grants, job security, greed, and abuse of families. In the long run, we will expose them, and American families will win.

The Bottom Line: A Vicious System

The truth is this: my son and I became victims of a very vicious Missouri system. I will never bow down or jump through their hoops.

CPS, DCFS, DJJ — they are the ones who caused my above-average son his emotional handicaps. They banned his mother from love and family support while she was in the hospital in 2002. They can never hide from their own paper trail.

How dare Sarah Renschen — with no children of her own — insult my fatherhood, defame my good character, stereotype me, diagnose me behind closed doors, and mislead a court with nothing but her opinion.

This is not child protection. This is malicious prosecution. This is modern-day Nazi Germany.

Dealing with Grief and Loss

Myths About Grief

At community centers, retirement centers, nursing homes, and other extended care facilities, many older adults are grieving multiple losses: a spouse, family members, friends, coworkers, even their family home. They may also feel the loss of valued roles in family, community, or workplace; changes in health or appearance; disease or surgery.

Other losses are often overlooked, such as independence, declining income, and self-esteem. People underestimate the impact of these losses because of the common belief that aging “prepares” someone to cope. But loss is universal.

Grief is the normal, emotional reaction to loss. Some losses are more devastating than others — the hardest ones are those that change life forever. When that happens, grief becomes painfully acute, and people turn away from it.

Our culture encourages avoiding pain, instead of accepting it as part of being human. Friends, coworkers, and even family members may expect someone to “get over it,” stay busy, or move on. But grief is not a disease to be cured. It’s the price we pay for love and deep commitment.

How Long Does Grief Last?

The most common question is: “How long does grief last?” The truth: there is no timetable. You never “get over it.” The grief remains, but over time, the pain softens and the waves come less often.

The process varies depending on:

Spiritual beliefs

Life experiences

Type of loss

Relationship with the deceased

Type of death (sudden, accident, suicide, prolonged illness)

Individual coping style

Grief is unpredictable. It comes in waves and makes people feel out of control.

Another myth: there is an orderly, step-by-step process of grief. Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified stages (shock and denial, anger and guilt, bargaining, depression, adjustment, acceptance). But not everyone experiences all of them, and not in order. Each person’s grief is unique.

Strategies for Coping

Here are some suggestions for older adults — and really, anyone — navigating grief:

Let grief be felt: It’s an emotion, not a puzzle to solve.

Be kind to yourself: Lower expectations of what you can do; grief consumes energy.

Recognize normal reactions: Lack of concentration, poor sleep, forgetfulness, confusion.

Allow tears: They’re not weakness — they’re emotional first aid.

Hold on to connections: Carry or wear something that belonged to a loved one.

Find someone who listens: The greatest help is having someone listen without advice, judgment, or comparison.

Expect anger: Expressions of anger are normal and not directed at you.

Men and grief: Many men grieve the same way but find it harder to talk. Encourage activities; if they do talk, listen without agenda.

Healing requires acceptance and expression: Two keys to moving forward.

What Not to Say

Certain phrases can hurt more than help:

“I know exactly how you feel.”

“It was for the best.”

“You can marry again / you’ll meet someone else.”

“Don’t dwell on it.”

These clichés may sound empty or dismissive to someone who is grieving.

Final Thought

Grief is not something to “get over.” It is something to live with, adapt to, and honor. It’s a reminder of the depth of our love — and the courage it takes to go on after the loss.

Bereaved persons are like ducks: Above the surface . . . looking composed and unruffled. Below the surface . . . Paddling like crazy!

Tips to Help Older Adults Through the Holidays

Holidays are an especially difficult time for those who are grieving. Many wish they could simply skip the season from Thanksgiving to January 2nd. These tips may help:

1. Plan ahead. Sit down with family members and decide together what each of you can do comfortably.

2. Recognize anticipation is worse than the day. Anxiety before the holiday is often heavier than the day itself.

3. Set limits. Accept that it won’t be easy. Focus only on the traditions or activities that are truly meaningful to you. Do what you want, not what others expect.

4. Prioritize rest. Holidays can be emotionally, physically, and psychologically draining. Make time for quiet and recovery. A rested body can face emotions more strongly.

5. Take it moment by moment. One day at a time, one hour at a time, sometimes even one breath at a time.

6. Communicate with hosts. If you accept an invitation, let the host know that you may not be able to come when the day arrives, or you might need to leave early.

7. Remember there is no “right” way. You can follow family traditions or change them to fit your new reality.

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