Out of the Shadows

<deep breath>    Dear Mom, The last time I contacted you directly was in 2009, when I called to personally invite you to my bridal showers. I will never forget the formidable response to my phone call. Dad showed up at my work to ask why, to express his disappointment, and most importantly to tell me that all contact with you must go through him in the future. Well, it’s been 11 years. I’ve complied with that order all these years, aside from some simple, and benign, cards for your birthday or Mother’s Day. At first, I complied out of my fear of Dad. Later, I complied because after almost 26 years under that roof I remember how life works within those four walls. I don’t want to make your life harder. That being said, based on my experiences and observations I know my writing this letter poses a risk. I don’t take this risk lightly. I chose this venue because making my letter public alleviates some risk, as well as removes any potential secrecy. Secrets are powerful and poiso