The following letter is written to my son. I post it here believing one day he will read it, unhindered. The days and weeks pass quickly. My hope is still alive.
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Dear Michael,
I missed you at the event in April. Why were you not able to come? Hopefully you were not ill. I understand you have been married since we last saw each other. What is your wife’s name? I was told she is from Brazil. Is that true? Have you finished school? I heard you were going for a degree to be a teacher? Again, since this is all third hand, is that true as well?
Do you still have your job at the Café at the Mall? Some friends of mine saw you there a few months ago. Do you work full time or part time? I understand there is a lot of lifting and you may now be as tall as or taller than me.
Did you travel to Brazil, yet? Did you enjoy the trip? Do you have plans to teach here in the WFCS or over there?
Michael, often times I will get pictures out from our family days and sit and remember the good times. Do you see that happening one day, when or if you ever have children… good times? From your understanding of how things are now, will that opportunity be there when your children are growing up?
The reason I ask — I understand (Jane’s grandson) is exercising ever increasing physical pressures on children his age and older. Several survivors have told to me about the abuses in his age range and on up into the adult ages. In the years to come, do you see that being good for your children? Do you see this type of thing as being a “good thing?” Please, consider your future and the future of any children you and your wife may have.
Yes, it is a complicated ordeal. Know that I love you and would support any decision you make to adjust your living situation to not include such abuses.
The recent absence of us talking and spending time together does not mean I don’t love you. The love of a parent for their children is never-ending. We can start with small talk and to gain confidence in each other again. I would like that very much. Call me any time. (828) 289-7923.
Love,
Dad
PS- I heard you were saving for a car? Did you get one? If so, what kind? I hope it is one that is trustworthy and enjoyable for you.
PP S- I have heard the rumors inside your group and want to put them to rest- I have not remarried.
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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 493.
Hi John,
I just read you’re letter to Michael. I know from the personal time that my wife and I have spent with you that you truly love Michael and your heart yearns for him. I can honestly say that because of the time that we have shared with you and the HOPE
that we have in Christ, that your children and our love ones in WOFF will soon be returned to us. John, my wife and I pray that one day soon our prayers will be answered and our families will be made whole again. Until then keep the faith and DON”T give up, our GOD is, greater than WOFF. Remember, “ROSES WILL BLOOM AGAIN”.http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=09JFMMNU
Thanks John for sharing your heart withn us. May God richly bless you.
Ed,
Thank you, so much for your encouraging words. It helps to have such kind folks standing for positive changes in these situations. Hope does keep us moving forward…
Your friend,
John