An open letter to Mrs. Van
I barely know you, so I wouldn’t think of rushing to judgments. I don’t know what happened – it isn’t relevant and is none of my business. What’s done is done. But I had to say, that regardless of everything else in this loopy world we live in, Van is probably the most devoted father I have ever known. He lives, breathes and bleeds for his children, and even as the pain was evident throughout these past few months, his dedication to his kids never faltered, never wavered.
I read the stories, the mixture of pain and bliss, and realize that I could only hope to be the father he is. Daily tales of bedtime stories, bike rides around the neighborhood, longing for talks with Viv, balloon animals – the works. Whatever else he’s done, he’s poured everything he had into doing the right thing for them, and I respect the hell out of him for it.
I’m not making judgments on the situation between you two – but I thought that you should know that he has been, is and will always be the best father that your kids could ever have. And hopefully, someday, they’ll understand as well just how good he is and how much he cares.
I just thought you should know.
You know, I completely agree with this post. My parents were divorced and my mom fought constantly to keep away from my dad. Why? Because I was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused in his home. The fact that dads like Van exist is incredibly comforting to me. And I find it so desperately sad that he’s so far away from his kids. Dana, if you ever see this — you’re very lucky to have Van as your children’s father. Don’t let any other problems cloud the realization of that.
I can’t argue with these sentiments. Van’s the best father I know of, too.
Also, kudos to you, Marty, for the gutsy “open letter.”