"Ex, I want to keep this all about the kids. I do not want to fight with you, about anything, at all. My only concern is for our kids and their well-being. The school didn't schedule this "team meeting" about son's behaviour and schoolwork because he's doing good Ex! They scheduled it because he's struggling...behaviourally and scholastically, at school. They are concerned. And Ms. Vice Principal told me Wednesday afternoon that she wished "we could have all met" like the school staff had planned. There was a reason for that....they felt it was "important that son see that we are a united front and that we are extremely concerned about him". And he's been in even more trouble at school in the two days since that meeting! I got an e-mail from Whittier about his bad behaviour on Wednesday (which I forwarded to you), and I got another today (which you also received) about his bad behaviour yesterday. I have in fact received more negative e-mails (about his bad behaviour and schoolwork) from his teachers and administrators at Whittier in the last 4 weeks than I have in the entire time he's been going to school there! Denying the existence of his problems will not make them go away. I understand you feel the way you do about me......and I am sorry for all the hurt that occurred in our marriage. Please let's keep this all about our kids. And only about our kids. I love them very much and I know Ex that you do too. I'm focused on the present and the future. I'm hopeful that our kids problems can be solved by focusing on what we can do now...to make their lives better now...rather than focusing on the past. Can we give attention to developing solutions and helping our kids? Do you think that fighting between us helps our kids in any way whatsoever? It doesn't. It hurts them. I am committed to taking the high road and not thrusting our children in the middle of emotional crossfire. We wanted children, and now we have them. And I'm committed to focusing efforts on what our kids need most: consistency, assurance, and the love and participation of both parents in their lives. I'm asking for your help."
She may get pissed, but she's been pissed at everything I've had to say so far......no matter how many times I run it by you folks here and refine it. It was a heartfelt message with nothing but the absolute best of intentions.
"Always go straight forward, and if you meet the devil, cut him in two and go between the pieces." - William Sturgis, clipper ship captain, 1830's.
