I’ve had a few conversations with my estranged son recently. I’m taking advantage of the opportunity to listen, I mean really listen to him. The girl who accused him of touching her inappropriately has recanted her statement, my son is innocent as he has been saying from the beginning.
We talked about some of the steps he is taking in his life so that he and his girlfriend can move towards better mental health and stability for their children. I’m proud of him for going to counselling, it isn’t an easy thing to do, and it takes guts. I want to be a safe person for him to talk to; I don’t want to judge or give unwanted advice, at least not anymore.
He even called me last week because he was upset with his father. That’s the first time in years I heard my son cry. We had a good talk and he left the conversation feeling better. I’m looking forward to my upcoming visit with him, and meeting my little granddaughter for the first time and seeing my grandson for the second time.
This is the beginning of rebuilding a relationship with my son. It is going to take time and a lot of patience. It means letting him know I’m thinking of him without putting any kind of pressure on him to respond. I will need to accept his partner regardless of my feelings towards her. This is the woman he has chosen to share his life with and the mother of his children so she is a part of my family and should be treated as such.
My Phoenix Rising 