My Ex Never Let Me See My Daughter, but I Still Sent Her Gifts Every Birthday, until Her Letter Broke Me: `Why Would You Forget Me, Mom?` — Story of the Day
Unable to attend my daughter Emily’s 13th birthday due to a contentious divorce, I sent a pale blue dress and sparkling shoes, hoping she’d feel my love. I met her father, Joel, at a café to pass the gift, but he was cold, dismissing my questions about her. He’d blocked my contact attempts, claiming Emily chose him, and referenced a desperate moment when I tried sneaking onto his property. A letter from Emily arrived, her shaky handwriting asking, “Why did you forget me, Mom?” Heartbroken, I realized Joel hid my gifts and letters, making her believe I’d abandoned her.
I attended her dance showcase, seeing her shine in the dress I sent. But she thanked her stepmom, calling her “Mom,” unaware of my gift. Confronting Joel in front of witnesses, I revealed the truth. A lawyer offered help, and Emily, learning Joel’s lies, confronted him. A month later, after court, I gained visitation. Emily and I began rebuilding, sharing stories and holding hands. She knew I never gave up, and that truth became our greatest gift.
