Just a little context: My ex and I were together from when my son was 3 until 6, and lived together. We broke up 3 years ago and he moved out of state. He came to visit a handful of times the first year but hasn't seen my son in two years now. He helps out occassionally with expenses for my son's activities, it's amounted to maybe a few hundred dollars over the years. He also sends many many small gifts and lots of postcards. Today, these three postcards arrived in the mail.

Text because I'd be amazed if you could read those:

Dear Oliver, Thank you so much for the message this week. I love you greatly and unconditionally and the little things like that message are the little things I cherish from you these days. That is also the reason I ask for notes, letters, pictures or cards; I'm realizing more and more that you do not want to talk over the phone as Saturday's phone call was saddening to me because you had no interest in sharing your life's interest and developments so I decidedly regularly ask for these notes and such. There comes a point when we ask ourselves what is important to us. And, although I can't be near you to watch and participate first-hand in your growth and maturation, I asked myself that question already. My answer was, and is still, to be someone you can look to for love, inspiration, guidance, and help. But, I can't continue to invest financially without seeing or knowing the returns and rewards. As I said in part I Oliver, I love you unconditionally and will always do so. However, that unconditional love is not something that equals financial expenses. I support your interests and your hobbies but I will no longer be able to spend my money on such things without getting some joy and tangible reward in return. To raise a child is a gift and it is one I proudly accepted when I met you and your mom. My parenting wishes are basic and timeless: raise a child to be compassionate, confident, kind, responsible, and trustworthy...

I sure wish I could show you the front of one of the postcards - it is a goofy headshot of my ex with a fu man chu in progress. But that seems like a violation of privacy or something.

Edit: Just wanted to mention I haven't shown them to my son yet and haven't decided if I'm going to. Weirdo.

Edit 2: uh... You don't actually need to see the postcards.