Dear Ken,
How are you? I can't even imagine how you might feel right now, holding this
letter in your hand. I mean, how long has it been? About a million years? And yet in
so many ways, it feels like yesterday.
I don't know what it is about 2008, but ever since this year began, I have had a
palpable feeling that everything was coming full circle somehow. It took me a few months
to realize exactly what that meant, but now I have no doubt it involves you-and some
important things I'd left undone and unsaid. Things you really need to know.
It's strange that you would be on my mind now; I can't explain why this is
suddenly the case since I hadn't thought about you much at all over the years. For my
own survival, I'd willfully blocked you out of my thoughts to the point where it was as if
you never existed in the first place. There was just no way I could've been your friend,
not in any sort of active way, at least. It was just too painful to see you with another
woman, so I did the only thing I could do. You made your choice; I made mine. I even
concocted a story to tell people whenever they would ask me why I moved to Florida.
And the mind is such a powerful thing that I actually believed it myself.
Look, I know it is ancient history, but I am so very sorry for everything I ever said
or did to hurt you. You were so good to me, so kind and caring. If I had a time
machine, I am certain I would go back and make very different decisions where you
were concerned. If I could go back with the knowledge I have now, I would understand
just what I'd had in you. In many ways, you were so much more mature. You saw
qualities within me that I was unable or unwilling to see for myself. And I never truly
appreciated that.
You once told me that I inspired you; but the truth is you inspired me, too. I never
realized just what a catalyst you have been in my life. These last fourteen years have
been an incredible personal and spiritual growth journey, one that would not have been
possible without you. While I've endured some pretty traumatic experiences (along with
good ones), I can see now how every seemingly insurmountable obstacle, every hour of
darkness, every tear shed in moments of anguish, have all contributed to making me the
mature, self-adjusted woman I am today.
There are absolutely incredible people in my life that I am blessed to call friends,
my writing career is finally in full swing and my health is excellent (warm weather
definitely agrees with me). Perhaps most significantly, my faith is stronger than it has
ever been in my entire life. I owe all of this to you. Ken, you opened my eyes. You made
me realize that the world-my world-was more expansive and wonderful than I'd
ever imagined.
This may or may not be appropriate, but I want you to know that no man before
or after you has ever treated me with the same amount of respect, affection and concern.
Sadly, at 25, I didn't know what I had. You were everything I didn't know I wanted.
Yes, hindsight, as they say, really is 20/20. And no matter where you are or what you
are doing, I hope it makes you feel good to know just how much you have positively
impacted my life. At least, that is the intention of this letter.
Anyway, I am sure you are an awesome father, and I pray that you are well and
happy. Take care of yourself and God bless!
Madeline
P.S. If you are so inclined, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at
maddyrose67@goodmail.com or call me at (561) 555-4257.