My Ruminations: Letter To My Ex Wife

If you don’t have the backstory down, you might want to read my post from yesterday titled “My Recovery: My Children.” It will explain why I am writing this letter.
I have decided to share my letter to my Ex-Wife with you, because my blog is primarily about recovery–with poetry and music mixed in–and to exclude it would be disingenuous.
And, as always, I welcome all of your feedback, impressions, comments! Even though this blog is about my recovery, it’s really about everyone’s recovery in some sense or another, isn’t it?
Dear Judy,
I can only imagine the look on your face when you saw my name on the outside of the envelope. I just want you to know that I am hoping that my letter doesn’t seem intrusive to you. But I had to write.
It’s been close to 10 years since we last had contact, I think. I am not sure. My brain doesn’t function as well as it used to. I guess I will just cut right down to it. We are not getting any younger and, now that I am in recovery, I am hoping that perhaps we could meet and discuss more of the content of this letter.
In May of 2016, after a few years of severe alcohol abuse and a mutually destructive relationship, I went to jail. I served only 5 months, but that was all I needed to finally come to terms with the fact that I had to make some serious changes. I could have come out of jail and gone right back to work for the dealership, but I chose to enter a V.A. Treatment Program and continue not drinking when I got out in October.
I then volunteered for the program I am currently in, a 3 month V.A. Residential Work/Treatment Program here in Brockton. From here I plan on transitioning to a structured living VA Program in Pittsfield for another 6 months. I have been clean and sober for over 8 months. It’s the first time I have put more than 3 months sobriety together since I was 17.
I’m not writing you to blow my horn. I just wanted you to know what I have been doing and the reason why I am contacting you. Not only would I like to see if we can at least get past ancient history, I am hoping that you will consider speaking to Nick and Matt and telling them that I still desperately want to see them.
This may seem out of the blue to you, but in actuality–as you may or may not know–I’ve tried to reach them many, many times over the years until they finally shut me down from Facebook. I know in your heart of hearts you know I’ve never stopped loving the boys.
When I made the decision to leave them just with you, rather than split them unhappily between us, I thought I was doing the right thing. I really did. I saw the toll it was taking, sharing custody, especially as they got older. They didn’t seem to want to visit me anymore. Looking back, perhaps it wasn’t the best decision, but I made the decision and what’s done is done. It was a very painful one that I did not make easily.
I know that none of what I am saying may matter to you. And I do get that. I am simply writing asking that you please at least tell them that I am trying to amend my ways. I never got drunk in front of them. I know in my heart of hearts I was a good father. But we both know I was a t a serious disadvantage due to our contentious relationship.
Judy, I am sorry for the things I’ve said and done. For my part, which was great, I did you wrong on so many levels. I can never undo those things. But as we both march onwards towards 60 (omg), I am hoping that we can somehow find a way to mend at least part of the fence.
I am not proud of what I did to you. I was never really there for you. Yes, we had some good times, but let’s face it: I was a self-centered, self-absorbed, drinking, drugging, abusive man. I may not deserve your forgiveness when it is all said and done. I will have to live with that if that’s the case.
But I truly am very sorry for my actions. This is by no means as thorough an apology as I would like to discuss should you agree to see me. If not, just know that I didn’t just get sorry about my treatment of you this year; it has bothered me for many years.
I finally want to say that I am not the man you married in 1991. I have changed. I have pure intentions and my desire is to only see what reparations I can make with you and the kids. I am now is clean, sober, under medication for my Bipolar and PTSD (which I had no idea I had for many years). I am learning about living like a decent human being who worries about other things and people other than himself for once.
This is one such instance. Please talk to Nick and Matt and I am asking you once again to find it in your heart to ask them and encourage them to see me, or at least talk to me on the phone. I bring no baggage to the scene. I have no drama to cloud over their lives with. I just want to know my sons. I miss them terribly. And you are the only one who can make that happen.
Sincerely,
Rob
Pingback: I Want My Kids Back | Just Ruminating
Pingback: My Ruminations: My Ex Wrote Back | Just Ruminating
Pingback: My Ruminations: Letter To My Ex Wife Follow Up | Just Ruminating
What a brave letter 💛
Thanks. I’ve heard nothing yet
Keep us updated?
Ansolutely
Absolutely
Wow. It is in her hands now. Beautiful and genuine.
Thank you for that
this is beautiful, raw and deep…hope all goes well after this step..sending prayers ur way…just remember, there is a time for everything…😊
Thanks very much!
Beautifully written, thanks for sharing xx hope this brings positive results
Thanks very much! I do hope so
This made me cry. Looking forward to that reunion photo too! 🙂
No one more than me lol
Wow; so heartfelt…its perfect🙂praying all goes well for you.
Thank you very much. Wasn’t sure
This is a wonderful start…
Might I suggest you Write each of your sons a letter and ask her to give the letters to them.
They may need to read an apology as this too before talking with you!
~Hugs~
Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that Christ em, now you’ve gone and done it. That’s some heavy shit I’m not sure I can produce right now. Damn
Oh babe! Im sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you anguish. Its heavy so very heavy… but you are strong enough dont forget that!!!amends and love are what you giving and striving for and in time you will unfurl even more beautifully! Take a deep breath now and when you are ready take that step! ❤️🙏🏻💋
No, no worries. I just hadn’t thought of that and it may be necessary. It’s just to think about what I could possibly say is a little too much for me right now. I’m going to wait and see and if they say no, then yes you are right, I will absolutely at least have to send those along. I was just like ugh! More gut wrenching soul searching and realities to come to terms with
Change is a necessary roughness, punches, bloody hands, bruised heart, and mental exhaustion all part of it, and you are succeeding quite well! Keep going!
Thanks, I feel so damn raw right now
Wonderful, heartfelt and sincere. Absolutely beautiful, Rob. I so hope that it has the intended results!
Well you know I’ll keep everyone posted. It’s in the mailbox. She now has my phone number and email
Oh Rob! Fingers crossed! xo
And toes
Yes!
Text book “amends”. Good letter. Now it’s in your wife’s ballpark.
Yup, dropped it in the mail just a moment ago
I truly hope it works out. I do. I grew up with an alcoholic father so I know what that’s like and I probably have an idea how your sons might feel. I applaud you though for trying to keep it away from your sons. I wish my father had.
So speaking as a child coming from this I will say that forgiveness can happen, but it will take time. I had to see for myself with my own two eyes that my father really had changed for the better. BUT I also very much wanted that relationship with my father too. I made an effort on my end to build a bridge between us as well.
It is a two way street. That burden is not all on you. Those boys of yours are also going to have to want to reach out to you and make an effort. This isn’t about the ex-wife anymore if they are past the age of custody and out on their own. That one letter to her is good, and needed, but for them after that the focus is on them.
Yes, I completely agree. While I certainly want things to be amenable with her, my objective is reconnecting with my children
This is beautiful.
Thank you Princess! Never called a woman Princess before lol! You’re the first
aha, but let me tell you Princess is my doggie’s name, but thanks I’m a Princess too :)). I’m Kiran by the way. It’s an Indian name, it means ‘a ray of the sun’
What a lovely name Kiran. My name is Rob, as you know, and as far as I know it means Rob haha
The meaning of Rob in Germany means bright or shining. 🙂
Oh you live in germany? What part? I served in the army in Germany in Augsburg
No.No. I do not live in Germany. I live in India, Mumbai (Bombay). I have a fetish for knowing the meanings of names.
I see. I’ve always wanted to visit India. maybe one day I will.
Surely
Alcoholics Anonymous should add this letter to their next edition, as an example of the perfect attempt at ammends.
Wow, I don’t know what to say to that. Thank you so very much for your incredibly kind comment
It is a very serious comment. Submit the letter to New York ASAP.
You’re adorable. Thank you, you made my morning
She can’t say no, after this honest and emotional plea. Oh ! We want to see Nick and Matt too lol 😂
I hope one day I’ll have a picture of our reunion
Yes , you will !
You are the best Yaz! I’m so glad to have you in my life
Fuckin’ A! Outstanding.Standing ovation. Thank you, Rob imho this is exactly how it should be done YMMV
Coming from you that’s high praise and GREATLY appreciated. I’m keeping you On my radar should I need your help, is that ok? What’s ymmv? Sorry lok
Rob, of course, that’s how we roll, and I trust you’ll be there as needed, you’ve already helped me🙏🏻 😂 your mileage my vary
Yes, lol. But what does ymmv mean?
Your Mileage May Vary
Oh, lol. Thanks. I suddenly feel much fucking smarter! Lmao
I am so glad I am finally back at my computer to read you again. I’ve been so lost without you.
Oh stop lol. You’ve been fine. Nice to say though
Now get back to writing your lovely stuff!
That is beautiful!!!! You really spoke from your heart and it came through in your words. I truly hope she responds in kind, from her heart and that you get to see your sons again. xx
Thanks so much!