Back to long voicemails. This is a difficult and emotional time of year as your birthday approaches. My love for you has not diminished, nor has the ache to be with you. I don’t think I can emotionally take doing something direct at this time of year. But now we are formulating plans for January or February.

My hope is that there is at least one of my family who knows that I love them, wants to see them, and wants to see me. Obviously the greatest joy would be if that includes my wife. This has gone on way too long. It is time for this separation to end. I’m sure I can’t emotionally handle the drive, so Chris made it clear again today that he will joyfully drive me to see my family.

Please work with me on formulating plans. We need to pick a timespan. We need to make arrangements for how this will transpire. These are my kids. I am the dad. You are in violation of man’s law in keeping them from me. I plan on showing up. Please let’s make this something we do together.

It seems we should bring Christ into this, and talk about love. But that simple does not exist in the institutional church, does it? Institutions don’t love, but rather protect themselves. People love. I am trying to love my family.

Please work with me to make plans for a visit.

My Lady, and my kids, I love you!