I have not been active on this site for a while, but if you look back on old entries you can see my history. Anyway I am here posting to ask for opinions. I have felt the need to right some wrongs lately and have written this letter to my step-daughter. I need opinions for all of you as to what you think of the letter. Good and bad thoughts appreciated!
Here it is:
First I want to ask that you read this letter in its entirity before passing judgement or throwing it away. I am not writing this to cause any drama or to cause any pain. I am doing this to fulfill my own need and to also maybe open your mind and heart to forgiveness also. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to realize that the best thing that I can do for me, your dad and your brothers is forgiveness. I am not saying that you are to blame for our separation as a family, nor am I saying that your dad and I are fully to blame either. We all have made some bad choices and done hurtful things. We will never forget the past, but we can move forward and forgive. We need to be able to move forward with our lives and not dwell on what we have done to one another in the past. I know that you may not believe what I am writing but I am truly saddened about your not being an active part of our lives. We miss you! When I look back at family photos I remember the good times. I hope one day you will be able to move past the hurt and remember those good times also. What happened between us all was wrong and should not have ever happened. Angry words, hurt feelings and all of our reactions to these things caused us all to lose sight of what is important. What is important to me is family and you are a part of our family. There is no way to turn back time and make up for all of the hurt that I, myself, have caused you and maybe you might feel that I don't deserve to be forgiven. However, I hope that you will one day be able to open your heart and mind to forgiveness and be able to forgive me and your dad. Again, I didn't write this to cause you any pain or bring any drama back into our lives. I done this because I have felt the need to right some wrongs in my life. Life is too short for hatred! We never know what tomorrow may bring, but we do have a clear view of the present, the today and the right now. I try to no longer take life for granted and appreciate it and all in it so much more than I used to. I try to enjoy every day to the best of my ability and I don't let the sun go down or come back up with any angry feelings inside of me. Again, I hope that you can forgive and one day be an active part of our lives again!