Today, November 19, 2010, is the 25th birthday of my daughter , Elise. I say a prayer for her and dearly hope she is having a happy one. I wish I could be a part of her celebration, more importantly,
I wish she would want me to be a part of her celebration. But that is not the case. I haven't been in her presence since February, 2001.
For this I do not understand! I really don't! Why would a daughter, who had a good relationship with her dad prior to 2001, turn her back on a dad who loves her so much, even now after all that has happened? Why is a dad's love and value based solely what he has in his wallet, or lack there of ? Doesn't any relationship prosper because of efforts and investment two parties give to the relationship ? Shouldn't there be reciprocation when both parties are of age.
If one has a grievance with another, can't one get together with the other, express the grievance, vent it , creatively work through the issue respectfully ? "Why not," I ask? What is the best way to resolve a human conflict ? Is this unreasonable ? Why do we have to be estranged? Why can't we mend fences, and love , relate, and engage in a beautiful father - daughter relationship? This is possible, absolutely possible to those who believe!
I do not know where Elise is, I do not have any valid postal or email address. I do not have any faith
that if I were to mail a birthday greeting to her mom or maternal grandparents that it would be delivered. They have always ignored my previous loving and respectful reaching-out to them. No goodwill from them! Why?
So what is a loving dad to do? I'd give her the shirt off my back, if that would restore the relationship. But I don't think material things, regardless of the amount will restore this relationship and truly be genuine. It is a matter of the heart! Therein lies the answer to this broken relationship.
If you know where Elise is , if you have any contact with her, if you can get to her (the last I heard she was in Chicago) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell her she has a dad who loves her. He is serving a six month sentence in the Cheatham County Jail as a protest and for what he believes in. This same dad has never stopped loving his daughter. He has only remained absent from her because she has given every indication that she wanted to be left alone. He respects her space and desires, however, if she should ever have a change of heart, and would give some kind of positive sign, he would love to talk to her. He would try to correct any past issues and grievances, as best he can. He would do all he could for a future relationship to flourish. It takes two to have a relationship though. His door and heart are open....ALWAYS !
