Madeline took a deep breath as she picked up her favorite pen. She'd decided on using one of her feminine note cards decorated with
pink roses-along with a few sheets of matching pink writing paper, to
showcase the extra thoughts she was certain would spill out of her heart
and onto the pages. It was definitely a risk to mail such an intensely
personal correspondence to the home of Ken's parents, though it was a
far safer option than mailing it to the house he once shared-or might
still possibly share, with his ex-wife.
In meditation earlier that morning, Maddy had a revelation: The "full
circle" feeling that had consumed her since the dawn of the New Year
had everything to do with Ken-and their unfinished business. While it
might have been appropriate, indeed, necessary way back when to banish
him from her mind as if she'd never even met him, it was time to
acknowledge the truth. Since the thought of posing as an old high school
friend and calling his home terrified her, when the inspiration to write him
a letter flooded her mind and stirred her soul she knew she'd discovered a
Divine alternative.
And with the option of entrusting it to the care of his mom and dad,
who perhaps not-so-coincidentally lived just down the road, her
apprehensions were alleviated. Not completely vanquished, but calmed
enough to compel her to act on her decision immediately, before
accomplishing anything else on that sunny Monday. Thus filled with faith
and hope, Madeline began to form the delicate cursive letters that would
combine to create a beautiful mosaic of gratitude, remorse and affection.
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 [email protected] call me at (561) 555-4257.