A Letter of Forgiveness

“I am sharing this letter from my beautiful daughter in hopes it will give people struggling with the guilt of how their PTSD reactions may have hurt or cheated their families.  There is hope and forgiveness on the other side of trauma.”

- Jose (Tony) Gamez, Co-Founder & Co-Chair, Standing Stronger Together

Tony & Alexandria

Growing up my father and I had a wonderful relationship. He was an engaged and attentive father, taking my brother and I on many adventures. Throughout my childhood I saw my dad lose his 2 brothers and had several scary incidents while at work. I know my parents tried to shield these from us, and looking back I am sure they were more traumatic than I’d known at that time. 

As I came into my teenage years the relationship with my father became strained. I noticed my dad’s patience, attention, and engagement were progressively dwindling. He became more self-serving, while pushing away and neglecting relationships with his family. He let go of his duties as a father, husband, and son, as he searched for happiness elsewhere. 

As adults we tried to reconcile, but our relationship was more of a friendship and not one of a father and daughter. It was not until he went through a very traumatic event and sought help, did I see more of my dad come back. He has worked hard, using the tools he was given through therapy to find happiness and fulfillment where he is at.

He now seeks a father daughter relationship and is a loving grandfather. He seeks out and makes time for his family and cares for his family to the best of his abilities. I am so thankful to have my dad back and to have the grandpa I knew he could be to my daughters. I am so proud of the work he has done and the help he sought. It took a lot of humility to let go of his pride and to do the work that needed to be done.

You have earned forgiveness, Dad.