Dear _____,
When I first met you guys, I knew your family was different than mine. My family is very involved in each others lives, loving, and outgoing. I thought maybe the emotional disconnect was because R was your son, maybe it was the way some addicts keep a wall up before letting someone completely in, or maybe it was because you knew what your son was capable of.
I don’t blame you guys for the abuse. R’s mother has reached out to me and made her peace, which I completely respect and appreciate. She even told me that my speaking out is helping her heal from the damage that monster caused. She let me know “As the mother of your abuser, I believe you.” That for me was HUGE! When she reached out to contact me, my parents were very hesitant on what she had to say. Her email couldn’t have been any better or more genuine. It meant the world to me to hear that someone from his family actually believed me and supports my mission. This letter isn’t for her. Its for the other two.
I do blame the two of you for so much more. I blame you for not trying to help your alcoholic son more. I know the addict needs to want the help, but with the two of you being sober I thought you would have tried harder. I blame you for treating him like a cash cow when he came home from Afghanistan, that made me pity him. I blame you for being the fakest people on the planet. You sat there and watched my mother and father sob after being told that their daughter was going to possibly die due to the abuse your son inflicted and you didn’t do a damn thing. You didn’t comfort them, you didn’t apologize, you didn’t try to help in anyway. You just stood there. My mother fought for you to be able to see my son in the NICU. My father gave up his opportunity to see Beau in the NICU in order to give you a spot to see him and that is how you repay her? I had the nurses caring for my premature son call me and let me know how uncomfortable you were making them feel. You made them feel unsafe because you were throwing fits over my child having my last name.
You then had the audacity to text me and ask to see my child. Against my better judgement I allowed you to. How did you thank me? By serving me custody papers. All I asked of your son was to be sober for a period of time longer than the usual 5 days. Then, in court while I sat there frozen in fear with my attorney, you sat up next to that monster of a child you raised as if you were his legal help. Last time I checked you have a cosmetology certificate, not a law degree. You coached your son on all of the right things to do. Go start in parenting classes, go to AA, and use his PTSD as a way to make the judge pity him.
One would think that you would have caused enough damage, but you didn’t stop there. You decided to tell this whole town that I was a liar. I understood at first, who would want to admit their son was such a piece of crap, but at some point you should admit I am telling the truth. Its been 3 years. You say that I don’t allow you to see “your grandchild”. You have never asked. I even asked you for R’s address to have him served and you responded with calling my son “drama” and “that mess”.
So don’t you dare try and tarnish my reputation or my families reputation. Unlike your family, mine is supportive. They welcomed me back after the alienation your son caused. They love Beau. They are extremely proud of everything I have accomplished and getting my story out. They are proud of how far I have come with healing from the damage R caused and most of all they are proud of the mother AND father I am.
The truth will always prevail. The good guy will always win. My family has won and most of all, Beau and I have won.
-Alyssa
Alyssa's Story 