Dear Ruby,
Hey sweetie! Hope you like your new teacher and have some friends to play with at school. It has been a real nice summer, not too hot. I hope you got to enjoy it.
So far so good down here in Jacksonville! I got moved out of orientation wing to a new dorm. I still have a bottom bunk too! This place is pretty empty so it is really laid back. I start a custodial maintenance class on the 3rd. I’m waitlisted for drug classes and behavior modification. I got my certificate for food service from Big Muddy and Lakeland College. Now I’m trying to get third shift kitchen worker so I can get two good time contracts.
As part of my case plan, I had to fill out a few packets, one being Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Strategies. One of the sections was What Could Happen vs. What Will Happen. They asked the following:
What is something you are worried about?
I am worried my daughter has been brainwashed and will no longer want me in her life.
What are some clues that your worries will not come true?
She has known me since birth and we were always together.
I have continued to log my attempts to reestablish our relationship.
If your worry does not come true what will probably happen instead?
We will be reunited and I can teach her about Jesus and help her navigate through life.
If your worry does come true, how will you handle it? Will you eventually be okay?
I will be devastated, but I will continue to try and rebuild our relationship. I will find healthy ways to cope.
After answering these questions, how has your worry changed?
It is a little easier to breathe. I know that I’m doing all I can and I’m proud to have that determination in my character. She is smart and will recognize it.
Ruby, as long as I keep doing the right thing and working towards fixing this I know things will be how God plans them. I love you and miss you tremendously.
Remember, God made you special and He loves you very much!
Love,
Daddy
Letters to Ruby 