DEAR ABBY: After nearly 18 years of marriage, I left my wife. Our daughters were 10 and 12. We had married quickly, and only later did I realize how deeply judgmental her “born-again” beliefs were — so much so that she gradually cut off my entire side of the family. I tried for years to reason with her, to no avail, and we divorced. What I never anticipated was losing my children as well.
In the years that followed, I sent cards, letters and messages — most went unanswered. I was told, “The girls don’t want to see you,” yet I was never given the chance to hear that directly from them. Over time, I came to realize I was a victim of parental alienation — something I never would have imagined from someone who professed strong Christian values.
More than 35 years have passed since I left that marriage, and I have had no meaningful contact with my daughters since. I am not without fault, and I own my mistakes, but the pain of lost years — and lost connection — remains. I write for others who may see themselves here: Please don’t let years pass in silence. Talk. Listen. Apologize. Seek understanding before distance becomes permanent. — MR. KALAMAZOO
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
