Open Letter to Emily's Mother

You don't know me. We've never met, and honestly I'm not sure I would want to meet you. But I know your child. She started summer camp two weeks ago. Did you know? Do you care?

Her father or grandmother drop her off and pick her up. They had to explain to us the reason five year old Emily constantly breaks down in tears. You see, they had to tell us because your daughter gets so distraught that she can hardly speak. Did you know? Do you care?

Apparently the Family court Judge didn't think you cared enough when Emily was removed from your custody, and placed with her father. Wonder what you did, or what you failed to do to have your child taken out of your home. Of course, we were also told how the Judge awarded you frequent visitation rights; overnights, weekends, etc. so Emily would see her mother frequently. That you did know, though it is clear you don't care, since you haven't bothered to try to see or talk to your little girl even once in three months.

She's never been separated from you, not for as much as a few days until now. She's only five and right now she's so emotionally bankrupt that she can't eat, she barely sleeps, and in two weeks I haven't seen her eyes stay dry for longer than an hour.

Have you ever seen a five year old with dark circles under the eyes? Can you imagine the agonizing pleading in her soft blue tear-filled eyes as she tries to choke out "I miss my mommy?" That's what Emily repeats over and over again every day. In all my years of working with children, I have never met a sadder child. Did you know that she went on a field trip today and while all the other kids laughed and had fun, five year old Emily sobbed for the love of her mother? Do you care? 

I hope that one day you are made accountable for the pain you are causing to your own precious child. I hope one day you have to look into her unforgiving eyes and explain just what you were doing that was more important than being there for Emily when she needed you most. I hope that her contempt for you causes you to feel fragile and vulnerable and frightened. I hope that one day she abandons you, when you need her most. And I hope that one day you wake up and realize what you've lost - what you can never make-up for - what you can never get back. And I hope the thought of it tortures you to your very soul through all eternity.

That would be justice. Perhaps then, you'd finally care.