Kristin

My lovely daughter, Kristin, is now 19 years old. I have not been allowed to see her for 15 years. I eventually found her...sent her stuff, letters, and so on. But, she has never tried to contact me. I have no idea where she is now...I assume she's in some university. In any case, I can't send her money or any of the fun things that a Dad spoils his daughter with... And, the most hurtful thing...clearly, she doesn't want to know me, see me, or have any contact with me whatsoever. I truly wonder how a parent, or any individual for that matter, can teach a child such hate, to forsake their own father...? That's the kind of stuff you burn in hell for I think...

I have forgiven all concerned and have stopped trying to contact my daughter. I'm a bit more at peace with myself, but still hurt when I realize I'll likely not get to see her graduate from college, get married, have children, and so on. Sometimes it gets particularly difficult when I think of her. I am most concerned now that as she matures, she will learn the truth and then become resentful of her mother. I'm not sure how to get across to her how important it is to forgive, not be resentful... Perhaps she will read some of this stuff one day.

I have pretty much spent my life fighting for those that couldn't fight for themselves. I like to think, as an Infantryman both enlisted and as an officer, that I helped someone, somewhere. And that the military and wars did not make me a cold-hearted, unfeeling monster as her mother believes. Isn't it unbelievable that over time, lies become the truth? I used to believe in justice...I don't anymore. So, it is particularly important that you fight for justice. Remember, we don't learn from the things we do right...we learn from what we do wrong.

And...everything happens for a reason. At the time we might not understand why, but somewhere in the future it becomes more clear (hopefully). And, it will always work out like it's supposed to...never give up faith.

So, war wounds have pretty much taken me out now...I'm getting to the point in life that I'm not able to properly continue the fight. I love you Kristin...

Thanks for all the support, love, and blessings. David