Bitter Ex Turns Sons Against Their Father
Dear Abby | March 15th, 2026 | Letter 2 of 2
DEAR ABBY: My wife of 30 years demanded a divorce because I refused to quit my job to move nearer to her parents on the other coast. This was 14 years ago. Our two boys were away at college at the time. She went through with the divorce, bitter and angry, even though I offered to accommodate her in various ways that were reasonable. I remarried five years ago to a woman who sincerely reached out to my boys (now 36 and 35) with kindness. Things were relatively peaceful until my remarriage, which sent my ex over the edge. She has defamed me nonstop with lies, and the boys have cut off all contact with me. I'm 80 and in good health, but I want to reestablish good relations with them before it's too late. Any thoughts? -- TROUBLED IN CALIFORNIA.
DEAR TROUBLED: Write to your sons telling them you love them, miss them and would like to meet and talk with them. After that, the ball will be in their court about whether they are ready to listen. Your boys are well into adulthood now, and it's possible that their perspective may have broadened. However, if it hasn't, you will have to accept it. Be prepared to move on and to enjoy the rest of your life without them.
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