Dear Mom,

There is a lot I want to say to you, yet I don’t know where to start. First off, all I wanted was for you to love me. I didn’t understand your reasons for not wanting to be involved in my life. Everything I tried to do to make you happy didn’t seem to work, no matter how hard I tried.

You always said you loved me, yet every time I was scared or hurt you pushed me away. When I needed someone to talk to or just a hug, you weren’t there. Every day I watched other people’s families functioning so well that it made my heart twinge with hurt. It felt like you saw me as unfit, something to be discarded.

I thought moms were supposed to help guide their children, not watch as they went down a dark path alone. My whole life, I tried to create a relationship yet you pushed me away. Why? You knew I felt alone because I had no father to look up to, yet it seemed as you turned away like I wasn’t there. What have I done to make you act like this towards me?

Year after year I’ve tried to show you my love again and again. Tell me what I must do to get your love and affection. I’m desperate, mom. I’d give my life for you. Does that mean so little? Maybe someday that will change. I hope so anyway. For now I just want you to know I love and miss you.

Your loving son,

Joe, age 22