Dear John,
I doubt you will ever see this since you blocked me yesterday after I accidentally sent you a message that didn’t align with your political views. When you sent me the note yesterday to never contact you again, I was frankly in shock. I tried replying to apologize and say it was sent in error, but you already blocked me. I texted, but since I haven’t heard back it is safe to say you either blocked my number as well or the apology meant nothing. Your decision has truly saddened me and at the same time made me think beyond this.
We have known each other for 30 years. We were in each other’s lives when you lived in Atlanta. Since moving, we followed each other regularly on Facebook. The reason I know this is because you would like or comment on my gratitude lists. Other than one time when I briefly commented, I would scroll past your political posts since we were not in agreement. Knowing you and the memories we shared during your time in Atlanta was always most important. Staying connected all these years after you moved to Ashville meant so much to me.
The fact that you chose to end our relationship over my political beliefs begs the question, were we ever really friends? I love you for who you are, not for who you voted for. While there was a time I held my beliefs tightly, today I approach them differently. Based on the evidence I have today, I believe certain things. I am able to change my mind if/when I am proven wrong or the evidence I have based my beliefs on proves to not be accurate. I pray I will always stay fluid and that my mind always stays open to other’s thoughts and ideas.
There was a time Facebook wasn’t a forum to discuss politics. I remember when people could agree to disagree without being disagreeable. I miss the days when relationships didn’t end over people not being aligned politically. What happened? When did politics become more important than your heart, your kindness and your humanity?
I try to understand rather than being understood. If you are in my life, it has nothing to do with what you believe politically. I loved you for who you were as a person. You walked away from me because of my political beliefs after 30 years. The only thing I know to do is pray because you can’t have a closed mind and an open heart.
I still love you and always will,
Karen
Thank you Karen ! Everyone needs to apply this principle. Pen to paper has helped me ! It’s hard to believe after 30 years. Someone would treat anyone this way ! Love you Karen.
Karen- thank you for sharing! You have done what you can to apologize and ask for forgiveness from someone who is unwilling or unable to accept your love. That is on them and you are worthy of much more! I can sense your sadness, and I hope for you that you can be comforted knowing that it is not about you and it is okay to let go and “Let Them”!
You are a wonderful human and I am proud to call you my friend!!
Jeanne Ryan 🫶