I spent a lot of time thinking of what I would say to you, but what I want to make clear is I appreciate you taking care of our children when they aren’t with me. Though things didn’t work out between us, I knew you’d be a great co-parent. I knew you’d take care of the kids well, not just meeting their needs but going above and beyond of what a parent normally does.
I struggle not being there to care for the kids like I was when we were married. When they are with you, I miss the hugs, the kisses, and making memories with them. But, I know they are making memories with you and that is how I get through the days without them.
I see you.
I see you taking them to doctor’s appointments, to school, to gymnastics. I see you protecting them from all of the ways of the world. I could not be more grateful for your kindness toward them and your kindness toward me.
It was a difficult switch – from wife to co-parent. I had to grieve the loss of what I thought life would or should have been like with you. Now that it has been a few years, it easier to accept life on life’s terms. We are both happy and it shows. Our kids are better off for it and I am thankful we had the courage to go through with something that could have been traumatic.
As the kids grow, I am excited to see our relationships mature.
I am thankful we are able to do combined birthday parties and meet up as a blended family on days the kids have activities. I think we are really unique in being able to do that for the children because they can see that even though things didn’t work out between us, that respect is there.
At the end of the day, I want you to know I appreciate all you’re doing for our children. Raising them to be bright, happy people. Though life isn’t exactly how we’d planned, I know they are getting the best care when they are with you. Just know that I see you and I thank you for being a great co-parent, father, and friend.
