Chapter 25 - Ryan asks to see Lily
Four months after Ryan entered custody, he sent a letter through his lawyer.
Not to Lily.
To me.
I understand I am not entitled to contact because I want it. If Lily’s therapist believes a letter from me would help her, I will write one. If not, I will wait.
That was different from:
You are keeping my daughter from me.
I gave it to Lily’s therapist.
Months later, after Ryan’s release to probation supervision, family court held a hearing.
Ryan requested:
Therapeutic letter contact.
Eventually supervised video.
No unsupervised visitation.
I opposed video initially.
The child representative recommended:
Start with screened letters only.
Reason:
Lily still became anxious at sudden mention of Ryan.
The judge ordered:
No direct contact.
Ryan could submit one letter every six weeks through therapist.
No guilt.
No promises.
No references to court.
No blaming Diane or me.
Then his first letter:
Lily, I am your dad. I made choices that were unsafe. You did not cause them. You do not have to answer me. I hope you feel safe and loved.
Lily listened once.
Then said:
“No more.”
So we stopped.
Ryan complied.
May you like
That mattered.
The final question of future contact remained open.
