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Dec 10
2007
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Letter to RobertoPosted by Maria in son, parents, motherhood, letter, family |
Dear Roberto,
Why haven't you ever met your father? You almost did, once. When you were young, I received a letter from your father after he was released from jail. He said that, after going to jail, he'd changed, and he wanted to meet you. But I was afraid he hadn't changed. Roberto, I stopped you from meeting your father then because, although you are alike in some ways and your father has some very good qualities, you are also different in many ways, and I didn't want your father to be a bad influence or to hurt you. I wrote this letter, though, so when you're older you can understand my motivations.
I remember hearing that your father was in jail. I was holding the phone, talking to a friend, and suddenly it was like I couldn't hear anymore. I was pregnant with you, and I put my hand on my belly and felt you kick. I knew that this would happen, but I still was shocked. Octavio really wasn't going to be there for you--for us. Then, I knew I'd have to be the one you'd rely on for everything. He messed up his life by being in gangs and drugs. He let us down by going to jail--and it wasn't just that one thing. I couldn't count on him even before he went to jail. He thought of himself instead of thinking of me and you. He had bad friends, and he can be a very bad influence on the people around him. I looked up some information about people who go to jail at the Department of Justice website, and almost two thirds of prisoners who get out of jail are arrested again for serious crimes. I can't trust that your father won't be arrested again or go back to jail.
Still, your daddy is a part of you. You have so many of his good qualities--you're smart and funny and strong. That scares me too, sometimes. You got into some fights at school right before I got the letter from your father. It made me think how alike you were--good looking, smooth talkers, with so much potential! You both could make me so happy--and scared, too. Your father went the wrong way, and I didn't want you to follow him.
I can see your father in you, but you're still yourself--your own person. You have so many good qualities that your daddy doesn't have. You will do great things with your life, I know it. You're unselfish, with a good heart. And, though I can't trust your father right now--I know I can always trust you, because you show your love to me every day.
At the beginning of this letter, I asked why you have never met your father. I hope now you understand the reasons. Maybe, now that you're older and can understand better, you can meet with him if you want to. No matter what you decide, I'm sorry you couldn't have a better Daddy growing up. I've always wanted you to have good things, and I will always want you to have the best life possible.
All my love,
Mom
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