This has nothing to do with the questions about the author, but I found this article in my "Teaching Exceptional Children" magazine. I am sending you the link to the online article. I don't know if it will help with your questions regarding D but I will send it just in case.
Everything happens for a reason, maybe Dad needs to find that it isn't better out there, he needs to realize how good he had it here. Maybe he will find God and that is the most important thing when he finds Him he will know he is supposed to come home.
