Recently, I went back to the city where my children are living with my ex-wife. I have 2 children. It was my daughter's 16th birthday and she, her younger sister, and I went out to celebrate this in a small way by going to the mall to window shop, have a bite to eat, and to purchase some gifts for her. Everything was going very well for some time, like it usually does...holding hands, talking, smiling, laughing...until my oldest daughter took me to a camera shop, where she preceeded to direct me to an $800 camera. I told her that that was way too expensive for me (more appropriate for Christmas) and that I could not afford it. She then preceeded to badger me about it and then gave me the cold shoulder, which greatly hurt my feelings. I then lost my temper and said some things that I should not have...which I greatly regret. My youngest daughter totally seemed to understand the situation for what it was and took no sides...which I am grateful for. I was agreeable to purchase a $200 camera which had the same amount of pixels...but, to no avail. The cold shoulder continued. Out of anger, I purchased a $600 camera for her instead....but, the hurt was still there between us two. We spent some more time out at the mall, but ended up not talking to each other, the mood distant and spoiled. I was hurting so badly. My youngest daughter held my hand and tried to cheer me up. I ended up dropping them off at their home, back to their mother, some time after that, then drove back to my city of residence. This type of situation has never happened between us before. A couple days later, I sent an email to my oldest daughter that I was sorry that this happened, especially on her birthday, which I truly am. I received no response. Today, I attempted to outreach by phone to her, but only ended up talking to my youngest for awhile. I instructed my youngest to have my oldest give me a call in order for us to talk and connect. I know she got the message. No call came. I am very hurt and ashamed. I have always tried to be a good father...even during the separation from their mother, which they both know. I just had to pour out my heart, to get it out. As a man who values his children, I am feeling the hurt badly. Not all men our beasts or beastly. And even the biggest or best of men can be brought down to their knees by the smallest of people....their very children. In keeping with the native way, I am telling my story. Please say a prayer for me in the hope of our reconciliation.
Wolfie