My Dearest Jonathan, I am sorry that you have been a witness to the abuse. I wish I had done better for you. I'm getting us out of here. I promise you that. There will be no more tears of pain from my eyes that you will have to see. You won't lie awake at night listening to him yelling and my screams of terror. You won't be afraid anymore. I know you love daddy, I do too. But, he needs help- and this isn't something that I can help him with. Daddy's brain isn't working right, and I don't know how to fix it. He loves you very much, and none of this is your fault in any way at all. You are all that makes him smile. He loves you more than life itself. And, I am sure he has never meant to hurt you. He doesn't realize what he's doing to us. I promise that I will do all that I can to keep you safe and happy. I cannot imagine how terrifying it must be for you to go through this with me. But I am going to get us out of here. You and I will live in a home without violence, without yelling, without angry words, and without fear. There will be laughter, cuddles, hugs, kisses, and lots and LOTS of love! Don't worry about daddy. He will be just fine. He knows how to take care of himself. He might not like it, but he will be OK on his own. And, once he gets some help, he will be allowed to be a part of your life again. But for now, it's better for you that we are away from him. When he does get help for what's wrong, you can see him any time you like. I have to keep you away for just a little while for your safety- just until he gets better. I can not tell you how long that will take because it's all up to him. Please try to understand that he is very sick and it may take some time for him to get all better. If you want to, we can send him pictures of you after we leave. You can color pictures for him too- I'm sure he would love it if you did! You will be learning how to write soon, and then you can even write to him! You can even talk to him on the phone. But first, I have to get you to a safe place. Just a few more weeks and we will be going. Don't be afraid, you're going to love where we are moving to! If you ever get lonely or scared, you know you can come to me. I will keep you safe. We're partners, you and I. I'll keep you safe, happy, and loved- and you just keep right on being you! Good deal! You are the most wonderful part of my life. You keep me going. Without you, there would be nothing for me to smile about. Someday, you will know what it's like to be a parent, and you will know the love that I have for you. You are perfect in my eyes, and that can never change.I love you!Love,Mommy
Replies
A word of advice, Having grown up in a divorced hosehold myself, my parents got a divorce when I was 11
kids bounce back easy, they don\'t care if both their parents live in the same house, or not, almost all their friends parents are divorced too so kids know what divorce means nowadays, unlike when I was little where we didn\'t hear about divorce all that much, today all that has changed, so kids understand that much.
Kids just want to \"see\" both their parents, not necessarily in the same house, but they do want to see them both. The only thing that ever bothered me growing up, was when my dad would leave and not be back to see us for years at a time, and then suddenly he comes back trying to make up for it by buying us presents and fancy gifts. I mean, kids don\'t care about money or presents none of that, all kids care about is love. Besides, as kids grow up, they get involved in group activities with their friends, and don\'t really care to spend as much time with family as much as they used to anyway, especially once they hit teenage years, but the same thing applies, they want their mommy and daddy in their lives, but not necessarily in the same household, ya know what I mean?
don\'t be afraid to get a divorce because of your kids, just spend time with them, be a friend to them, thats all kids really care about.
This is why Big Brothers Big Sisters was started in the first place, so many fathers, or mothers, disappear out of their childrens lives after they divorce, when all kids want is a friend. I see it everyday at BBBS, its so sad.
I applaud you...it is so HARD to leave. I\'ve been on both sides, as a kid and as an adult. Take care of you...stay safe and stay strong. love and prayers
What a touching letter! You are a wonderful mom, don\'t ever forget that. You and Jonathan will be just fine. You are so strong now! I\'m so proud of you and your resolve. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you all the best.
This made me cry...
It is sad when parents leave there children visaversa . It is sad when a child has to be separated from a parent so far away. It is sad when a family member is not well enought to give attention to mother and child or daddy and child. It takes a strong human being tell there child the truth and not give in to the screaming and yelling that occurrs among family members. It is the greatest give to be a mentor or roll model to a motherless or child.atherlsless ereatist here umbisa
melindaG be strong girl do what you have to do to get through this.life is to short to have to deal with that.take your son and TRY to leave we are about the same age you and i.we have to be focused stay on track yano our minds have to be on our children and not everything else so YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO.be strong dont be guilty about any damn thing.you are a wonderful mom and that my dear is all that matters...take care.chrisann
all i can say is YEAH! it\'ll all be okay! promise!
I haven\'t cried for 6 months. not even when my parents got involved, but this brought tears to my eyes.
xo
Nice letter. You are really something my friend. You are an inspiration.
God Bless you, Melinda...you are a wonderful mother.
what a touching letter, you are doing the right thing for your son. You and your son deserve the very best. You will make it through this (( Hugs ))