I am the second daughter of my father (Kyle Kimoto) and I remember my dad being a kind, generous and giving man. He was always willing and there to help everyone around him that was in need. So many people I have met knew and loved my dad, and in the years since he has been in Prison, I have only heard good things about him.
I was just 8 years old the day my dad was taken from us and sent to prison for 30 years. That was over 12 years ago in 2008, and while I do not have many memories of my father when he was a free man, the memories I do have are all good. So much of the time before he was taken from us for me is now mostly vague recollection, the memories I still hold are the ones that you have to smile about, and I hold them so very close to my heart.
Sadly, more than 12 years ago my dad was sent to prison for a shockingly unfair 30 year sentence for a fist time, non-violent offence. Others sentenced at the time for similar offenses received sentences from 2-5 years, but my dad has now served over 12 years, and if nothing is done, he will be kept from us locked away for another 18 years! HOW YOU CAN HELP
My father was a Great dad who loved all 4 of his daughters. (And I suppose he may very well have liked our two brothers as well) Dad would always make sure we knew we were princesses and not just any princesses, but HIS princesses. I remember him taking us to the grand opening of the new American Girl Doll store in Chicago, as you can imagine my sisters and I were in heaven. We got to get make overs to match with our dolls, eat tiny foods, and stay up late playing with our dad.
My dad was always a blast to be around, messing with us and ticking us till we couldn’t breathe. I remember when we all would get too crazy in the car and my mom was about to lose it, he would suggest the quiet game. Whoever won the game would get a prize. We would all sit in silence till he would say “hey who wants to go to Disneyland?” Of course, we would all say “I do!” which would cause us all at once to lose the game.
The day my dad was taken away from me was a rude awakening to say the least. My mother did a good job raising us, and while she did the best she could, our home has always felt broken. Holiday after holiday my dad sits in a cell without anyone there for him. Over the years, so many people have asked me how it was for us when he went away, and this always makes me think about how hard it has had to have been for my dad. I can’t seem to wrap my head around what it has been like for him. HOW YOU CAN HELP
We all long for the day we can spend a holiday once again together as a family, I pray for the day my dad will get to spend a holiday once again with HIS family and loved ones. We have all had to miss out on so much. It has already been over 12 long years. I wish I did not have to have another Birthday without my dad. I wish I did not have to suffer through another Christmas without my dad. I long for the day my dad can meet the man I love, and pray that somehow he will be able to attend my wedding. I pray for the day that I don’t have to visit my dad in a khaki jumpsuit.
I hope to marry a man like my father one day. After being ripped from his family, my dad always stayed positive. He has worked so hard to stay as much a part of our lives as humanly possible from prison. He has worked so hard to make this difficult situation as easy for us kids as he possibly could.
I am so very grateful to my father for being there for me the best he can in times I needed him. He strives to be a better father everyday even though he is not physically present in our lives. He is involved with all six of his kid’s lives and he loves to help us in any way possible.
My dad is the person I want to talk to about anything I am unsure about. My dad always has the right thing to say whenever I am sad or mad. He is one of the best people I know and he is entitled to a better life and more just sentence. I pray every day that he can have his unfair and unjust 30 year sentence reduced, and that he can come home soon.