Thousands of people held their breath and prayed with Tameka Foster Raymond when the news that her 11-year-old son, Kile Glover, was in a horrific jet-ski accident on Atlanta’s Lake Lanier early last month. We continued to hope for a miracle when he was placed on life support and eventually declared brain-dead by doctors. And we grieved 15 days later when his heart suddenly stopped and he was taken from this earth far too soon.
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During that time, Foster Raymond, and her tangible social media presence, has been understandably absent. On the morning of Kile’s funeral, she briefly re-emerged to thank her supporters and announce the Kile Glover Fund, an initiative to fast-track the implementation of laws, policy and education targeting water safety, ensuring that her son’s death will not be in vain.
In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, the ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband, Usher Raymond, was – rightfully so – labeled an afterthought. Now, it has resumed in full-force, with the temporarily respectful media splashing sensationalized headlines on everything from the former couple’s relationship to whether or not Usher attended his stepson’s funeral.
With quiet strength and integrity, Tameka Foster Raymond has finally decided to address her many supporters and the media – on her terms.
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Read below for her heartfelt statement:
To begin, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the countless number of people who opened their hearts, extended their prayers, well-wishes and remained hopeful for my son Kile during the last weeks of his life. I truly believe that he has always been an Angel from birth and the World was just too small to contain a spirit so vast. I’m thankful and blessed to merely be the vessel that carried him and humbled that God gave him to us to love. I also feel humbled by everyone’s show of concern, and knowing that Kile Glover touched the lives of so many has given me strength during my worst & darkest hour … Again I THANK YOU ALL!
Sadly, I remain in the unfortunate position of having to respond to and attend court proceedings that were not initiated or begun by me. I did not file this custody case (January 2011) and was content with the ‘joint custody’ arrangement that we share. Most importantly, nor do I wish to appear in court while I am mourning the loss of my son. But I do not want to delay thus prolong these proceedings either; I’d rather continue this arduous process hoping it will help move me through this most difficult period in my life. People seem to be privy to only my filed responses as ‘Defendant’ to the initiation of this case (Jan 4, 2011), when I have only been defending myself and protecting the best interests of my children through my counsel. I cannot control how the media reports are written/slanted/spun or even how court documents may be manipulated in their attribution of certain statements as if they are direct “quotes” from me- yet I can control what I actually say myself.
This may sound really cliché but you must NOT believe everything you read or hear and never judge… especially without solid facts and always, but always consider the source. Discernment is key. My boys are my entire world and I will fight tooth and nail to keep all of my sons together as a family, I pray for a swift, peaceful resolution so that we all can move forward.
Again, thank you for your concern, positive energy and hope for my family during this surreal time. There have been times when just the right words, at the right time, have provided me shelter through this storm and I appreciate you all. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
With Love & Light,
Tameka Foster Raymond
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