‘I managed to forgive you’

WE started the series three weeks ago on the premise that experts say that writing things down helps sometimes – and many have advocated the use of journals to get pent-up feelings out. The letters then came flowing in – from those who wanted to say something to someone who broke their hearts; someone whose forgiveness they sought; to apologise to, or to say thanks. This week we present the final letters of the very popular ‘Notes…’ series.

You violated

Dear Douglas,

For a long-term relationship type of girl, our relationship seems like it ended in the blink of an eye. In the few months I was with you, and the months following the break-up, I have been through the most horrific emotional roller-coaster ride. You came along when I needed a new direction with the perfect sales pitch; a good man who was right for me. I heard negative things about you, but I paid no mind to them as I don’t judge people based on their past.

I stuck by you because that is what a good woman does and it also helped that I saw great potential in you. I was also afraid of being alone and felt that the things we went through together (mostly at my expense) were enough to make our bond stronger; I was clearly the only person with this view.

You violated time after time, and I forgave you like a fool instead of kicking you out on your ass. I now know I could have avoided the heartache that took me two years to move on from had I acted on my intuition in the beginning instead of keeping you around hoping for change. But you had a way with words and always knew what to do to get me to smile and how to charm your way back in.

We had our good times, which seemed to be greatly overshadowed by the bad you did, the worst thing of it all is, those wrongs will follow me throughout my life. There will always be the constant worry that people I don’t know judge me because of the things you and my so-called friend said and did.

As angry as I was at you for what you did, I managed to forgive you. They say you have to experience a few bad men to be able to really appreciate a good one. I have learned a lot from being with you, including the fact that I deserve a man who is willing to give me the world if he could. I found that guy and I thank God that I didn’t chase him away by being the typical bitter woman.

Thank you for indirectly teaching me how to be a stronger woman for myself, my family, my friends and my fiancé.

– Ren

Why?

Dear Daddy,

Why couldn’t you love my mother and myself enough to stick around when I was young? Why did it take you 20 years to acknowledge my presence in this world? What was I supposed to do then? What am I supposed to do now that I don’t need you anymore, when you’re willing to be a father?

– J

Fun-filled summers

Dear Wayne,

I still remember that summer in St Elizabeth. Those months of sun and sand and partying were the best in my life. I wish I could have stayed. Even today, married with children, I still think about you!

– Gina

My gift

Dear Andre,

You truly are my gift sent from God, and I just want things to be great again. I miss you more than peas miss rice, and I love you. PS: Baby that’s what love is all about, two hearts that find the way every time.

Thanks

To everyone,

I would like to thank all my family and friends who supported me when I was in Jamaica. Words cannot express how thankful I am for all the prayers and the words of encouragement you all have given to me. To my friends (Nikita, Bro Willy, Lester P, Kathryn, Toni-Shae, Stephanie S, Anika, Sasha S, Nadine P and the rest), I love you. To my family (Althea, Carlene, Pat, Carlie, Lakishma, Tamecia, Coreta, Kevin etc) I miss you guys a lot and no matter the distance I would like to say that I really appreciate and will always cherish you.

– DG

Very special thanks

Dear Mr Palmer,

I have been married for a year and four months now. I wish to say a very special thank you to my husband for the wonderful days, weeks, months…. and the year+ we’ve shared thus far. It has been a blessing, and I look forward to many, many more wonderful years that we’ll share together.

A thought from our anniversary card expresses my sentiments thus: How it seems that time just passes quickly when you’re with the love of your life…

– JP

A source of inspiration

Dear Eloise Ferguson,

I thank God for you. You have always been a source of inspiration and motivation to me. Thank you for all the selflessness shown, and the care you took of me, before I was out of the ‘nest’, and the life lessons you taught me. I love you, and may the Lord continue to bless and keep you.

– Joanna

Love

Dear Devon,

I thank God that he brought you to Canada and I met you. You are my soulmate and I love you more each day.

– Love, your wife Angie