It's been years since I last saw my daughter, Julie. The guilt and shame of abandoning her still weigh heavily on my heart. As a divorce attorney, I've seen countless families torn apart by infidelity and selfishness. Little did I know that I would become the very person I despised.
Julie was just a little girl when her mother and I split up. My affair with my secretary led to the end of our marriage, and in the chaos of it all, Julie got caught in the crossfire. She deserved better than what I gave her – a father who prioritized his own happiness over hers.
I tried to make amends over the years, sending birthday cards and gifts through intermediaries but never daring to reach out directly. The fear of rejection kept me at bay, but deep down inside, a part of me longed for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Recently, Marissa suggested that it was time for me to face my past mistakes head-on. She encouraged me to track down Julie and apologize for everything – not expecting forgiveness but simply seeking closure.
So here I am now, sitting at my desk with trembling hands as I write this letter to Julie:
Dear Julie,
I don't expect you to forgive me or even respond to this letter. But there are some things that need to be said – words that have been weighing on my soul for far too long.
I abandoned you when you needed me most - chose another woman over being there for you during your formative years. As much as it pains me now looking back on those choices, I hope one day we can find some common ground and maybe even rebuild some semblance of trust between us again. Forgive myself has proven more difficult than anyone could imagine; however, I'm trying every day because it's not fair if she doesn't get closure from both sides before moving forward
If nothing else comes from this letter besides catharsis then so be it; but hopefully someday soon we can reconnect - and perhaps begin anew with love always present between us once more.
-Karl Mayer