Dear Anita,

Of course I am going to respond. Thank you for writing back and sharing your story. I feel sad that my story brought up hurtful memories for you. I know that your healing process is ongoing. My words are not sufficient but thank you for sharing. I can relate to your words, that you tried to make your mother notice you, notice that you loved her among so many other things. I agree that my emotions are not really about my ex. There is something deeper. Even when I was with him I knew that certain reactions I had stemmed from my childhood. The strange thing is that even though I see a therapist and have for many years, I don’t seem to work through the trauma. I guess perhaps I am at a halfway point because I recognize there is something deeper going on.

I’m not going to reach out to my ex. I know that would be foolish. I respect he is with someone else.

Please take care. Thank you for writing back. Sending love your way.