For Bobby

Why am I a suitable parent?

* From 1991 - 1993 Marianna & I both worked. Between 1993 - 2004 I provided all income for our family. We were a 1 income family so that we could raise a family. From 2004 -2007 when Marianna and I had our company we lived again lived on 1 income, with Mare taking some when needed.
* It was not uncommon during those 93-02 years that I worked 60 hr wks. and help raise a family.
* Today I am current on child support. I have provided for my family everyday of their lives.
* My family never went hungry. In very hard times, both immediate families provided economic help and support.
* My family always had some sort of insurance for emergency care.
* My children always had proper schooling. Home, public & private.
* My children were always clothed well.
* My child never feared me. I disciplined them when needed. Mare and both used timeout periods, swats on bottoms and grounded them from desired items (computers, tv, movies, etc)
* For as long as I remember my children always greeted me at the door - (14yrs.) The last few years were tough and didn't greet me so much.
* I never missed a daddy and donuts day at daycare or school.
* I attended every child's open house for teacher review.
* I taught each of the children how to ride a bike (except Nick). I taught them how to swing themselves,tie their shoes,swim, how to use a computer, clean their rooms and take pride with their belongings. How not to be afraid amusement rides. Since I hunt, I took them on nature walks, how to treat animals and how to appreciate God's beauty.
* Being a high school athlete, I introduced them to all sports. Encouraged Olivia to tryout for volleyball & softball. Encourage Katie with gymnastics and how to compete. I coached and managed Jackson's baseball teams (Phillies). I took all the children to professional and college sporting events - Astro games (one Katie's, Jack's and I best days) Aggie games. Marianna wanted nothing to do with sports!
* As The girls got older we began having daddy date night. We would go to a movies,toy stores or Barnes & Noble to just sit and talk.
* During the last few years when we had the magazine, I would take the children on weekend days, so Marianna could work (write editorial) all day sometimes 8-10 hrs. on end. We would visit new parks, grandparents, pools, site seeing to new places and expose them to new things.
* On vacations at the in-laws beach house, I would teach them how to catch crabs, surf, and hunt for ghost crabs at night.

      Picture of Jackson and I at Dr, Diaz office (Fall of 2007)

      He was always this happy to see me, always.

The boys and I during a session with Dr. Diaz (2008)

They were always happy.

This is a letter Olivia wrote me probably in June/July of 2007. 

Marianna kidnapped the kids in August 2007.

To My Katherine...aka Boose.

Yesterday was my baby girl's 17th birthday. This makes 5 birthdays I have missed, since you were kidnapped. I say kidnapped because that is what happened. One day we are laughing getting ready for the beach and the next your mother hijacking you away and brainwashing you with lies upon lies. I pray everyday that God will soften hearts and someone will reach out.

The last time we sat and visited was in doctors office and time before that we watched baby Nick play soccer. Do you remember you were right by my side the whole time watching Nick. Sharing bubble gum and critiquing American Idol. In matter of 1 hour your mother and grandmother pressured you not to see me. If I was to bet, your heart was so torn up and you wanted to see me. I'm so sorry Katie for putting your through that day. Shame on those women.

To make things worse that weekend, the letter you wrote to me to give Nana, at Luby's, was so crafted by your mom. It sounded like a lawyer wrote that note. Those weren't your words. Just by holding that letter I could feel the hurt and knowing it wasn't your words. 

The day at the doctors office was a day that I will never forget, It was Holy week. I had Easter gifts for you all. When I was asked to be frisked by a hired Sherriff because your mom thought I was carrying weapons, I knew she then she was bat shit crazy. I never felt so sorry for you all. To think that you had to drive all the way to and from Houston (YOUR HOME) with a hired Hidalgo County Sherriff...what a mess she had become.

When you walked in that play room, my heart was so filled with joy, but then to see the terror in your eyes as If I was going to hurt you all, broke my heart. There I stood thinking "I am your daddy and I would never hurt any of you...ever" and yet the mother of my children had done nothing but brainwash you all with lies and terrorize you with fear. My poor babies.
In a matter of 10 minutes we (Jack, you and I) were smiling and trying to melt away some of the hurt. Unfortunately Olivia, kept brow-beating you down. It's not her fault either, she had been told the same lies and was doing her best to protect you all. I think the hardest part of that day was saying good bye. I could tell by the look in yours and Jack's eyes that you wanted to be held, but you had to play strong in front of Olivia. I understood. That "oh how I wish I could hug my dad" look still rings in my head. The hardest was baby Nick hugging me good bye. I remember him looking up and asking me in his cute baby-whispy voice "when are you coming home dad?' I cry every time I write that sentence. I pray you or your husband never ever have to go through such a day.

It's 2013, a lot has passed. I understand that you have had some hard times. I wish I was there to hold you, maybe even scold you, but just to see you and be a part of those past 5 years.
The last time I saw you at freebirds was so unbelievable. So surreal.To have seen all of my children at one location was a true blessing. You all are the most precious, most beautiful children.
That whole 30 seconds was like a slow motion movie in my mind. I hadn't seen you guys in 3 years and there you stood 10 feet away, while Mike was pulling me away.

You need to know a few things;
* I never stalked you guys
* I never tried to run Olivia down with a car - That is just fucking insane
* I never ever touched baby Nick in a perverted way - That is even more sick than above
* I miss you all so very bad.
* My unconditional love for you is stronger now than ever. I love you Boose.

So what's next? You have always had the brains, the gumption, the courage, the passion.
Let's talk. Take it slow. I wont bad mouth your mom. She is who she is.
Come let's mend the hole that's in our hearts. I cant do this alone.
You are going to finish High School and I want to help as best I can with college.
Katie, I miss you so much. I do cry every single night. I keep praying that someone will step out of the shadow of fear and reach out. Please Boose...step out, reach out. I am not the monster your mom has created. For the first 12 years we were the best father daughter team around. My arms are wide open. God Bless my baby girl and happy birthday.

Love you always, Daddy

281.250.3102
tallenwright@gmail.com
Wright's Printing & Marketing - 281.367.6060

To My Daughter Olivia

To my daughter Olivia,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I have spent days upon days thinking about what to say and how to approach you. Please allow me to express these words and don't be quick to judge.

This bitterness about our situation is deeply rooted and affects our everyday lives; consciously and subconsciously. I cannot speak for you, but for me, my world has been very disrupted, and to a point of a living hell. There is not 1 DAY that goes by that I don't not think about you all...not ONE
I would like to think that you think about me too...in what ever image evil or good.

Over these past 5 years, I have become stronger and wiser, but as a father of 4 beautiful children there will always be an emptiness that cannot be filled. An emptiness so vast, I pray you may never have to suffer this. Even though I hurt, I cannot imagine the hurt you have been though.. I just can't.
Prior to this event, I knew nothing about divorce. All I see is hurt, devastation and messed up lives.
I never wanted to divorce.

In the early part of not being with you guys, I was informed by Nana, Mike and Corina how you had to take over the "mother" role. That broke my heart so much. I bet you did a great job, but I could not imagine your situation:
- Being separated from her daddy (which was against your will)
- Live in a shack condo - leave you newly decorated bedroom (purple wall - I loved your room. You took so much pride with that room. Do you remember how you lined up your stuffed animal on the shelf, I do!)
- Forced to leave your friends at such a time in your life.
- Leave your family - Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Richie & Aunt Laura, Kayce, Megan , Michael
   It sickens me to this day, that your mom would not let you come to Grandpa's funeral. His heart was so broken about not seeing you all. We both cried on his hospital bed just a few days before he passed thinking about how you may never see him again. In fact he wrote a full chapter, in his memoirs, on how he hated to see me cry missing you all. Please know that he truly loved each and every one you so very much.
- Start new school
- Listen to the horrible St. Paul stories
- Clean the house everyday
- Cook the meals
- Play peace keeper between the boys
- Care-take for Nick with no daddy.
- Being dragged to therapy or CPS or some other damn counselor.
  Did you ever ask yourself why not just put all in a room and let us talk? We always talked things out before. It wasn't me who didn't want us to talk. I begged Dr. Diaz to put all in a room. How could a family so close fall apart so fast? My answer: Because someone is hiding the truth and they don't want you to know.
- Keeping your studies up
- Try to adjust to "Little Mexico"
- Listen  everyday to the constant barrage of "Your father is an ass because ...and he is stalking us" comments (When I know in your heart you felt they weren't true)

You are an amazing woman to have overcome these obstacles. The sad thing is, you or your siblings should have NEVER had to go through this. NEVER!!!! There were options and other choices, unfortunate for you, you  couldn't make the choice, somebody else did it for you.
It hurts me so much, to sit here and cry thinking about these things were FORECED upon my baby girl. It was not fair to put any child in that situation.

There are few things I'd like to share:
- FOREMOST, I will always love you and your brothers and sister. No matter the situation, conditions, or trials you or I face. I do and will FOREVER love you all. Unconditional love! God has given me you as gifts. Love conquers all.
- I only filed for divorce because it was the ONLY legal way to get you all back to Houston-HOME!
In my "dear John' letter from your mom she strategically outlines how she is going to keep you in McAllen ...forever. Houston/Spring was your home and we all  know this. The divorce filing was the ONLY legal process to bring my babies home!
- I NEVER tried to hurt you all, and let alone, try to hit you with my car or molest your baby brother.
This is so over the top and compelling, I don't know where to begin. How could a parent twist and generate stories so sick, and then use them against her husband of 14 years?  The thought of those two issues alone demonstrates the desperate means someone would conjugate just to keep my children away from me. Shame on all who was involved and how they manipulated you to believe this was true. Sick!
- I have been fighting for your kids for 5 years and still fighting today. People have told me you guys think I gave up or quit on you. The other side has done EVERYTHING in her legal power to keep me away. I and my family have spent close to $150,000 dollars in legal fees trying to see, hold and kiss my children. If and when we visit and if you want to hear, I will share with you the numerous lies, tactics and stunts the other side has done to keep me away from you. You will be in awe!
I have never abandoned you.
- I pray everyday that we will unite.


There is nothing I can change what has happened in the past. I only know the future will be brighter.

As of right now, I see an amazing, stunning young woman at Texas State University, studying psychology. She is probably sharing her charm, wit and sparkle with her college friends.
College can some of the best days in your life, Olivia.
Just be safe. Lots of temptation, evil and consequences if bad choices are made. I trust you. I have always trusted you. You have always made good smart choices - from the clothes your wear to pets you've chosen (remember the kitten you chose because you taught yourself about a special breed w/short hair- so impressive) You have always impressed me, not because you are my daughter, but because you are - gorgeous, smart, funny as hell and cool. I miss just hanging around with you.
College will open your world and imagination. You will meet instructors and people that will impact your life forever. The friends you make in college will last forever. I keep in contact with about 30-35 fraternity brother and sisters - still after 30 yrs. of graduation. I feel sorry for your mom because she didn't enjoy college as much. Her view was different.

I am reaching out to you to say I am here for you. I've always been here but now that you are out from under roof I can do it without fear of legal ramifications from your mom.

I want to help you financially. We all can agree that Nana and grand dad are true blessings for the their great generosity. I can never thank Nana enough for her money for the business we started.
She knows I'm grateful to her and Helen.
Grandma, Uncle Richie and I can help too. I don't have much because of all the legal mess, but please know you can call me, grandma and Uncle Richie for help.

My pledge moving forward:
- I want to rebuild our relationship. Sure, I can love your from afar, but it's not the same. Did you know I have not held you since Aug. 15 2007? In fact the last kiss I gave you was that same day in the van getting ready for vacation. You drove away at 12:45 pm and never came home. I cry every time I say that.
- I will not talk badly about your mom. She is who she is and she has done what she has done. She is a good mother, but I have always felt I am a good father AND but a much better dad!!
- I will answer all questions truthfully. I will always be upfront and truthful. Being a psychology major, seeking the truth is always the intention.
- I will talk about topics you want to discuss. I will not impose my issues upon you. Yes I am your dad, but I am an adult who is a great listener and a pretty smart old fart! For the first 14 years you thought I was cool. I would kill just to listen to your stories. They make me laugh so very much. Let's laugh again.

Olivia, This has been hard for me. I have missed your entire high school years:
- First date
- First kiss
- First swim meet
- First day with braces and without
- First day of driving
- Graduation ceremony
...etc.

I cannot do this rebuilding by myself. I do feel that you and I can do this together.
I truly feel that our  father/daughter bond is like no other, and although it has been bruised, in time rebuilding would be the best thing ever for our lives. You have always shared some of your most intimate secrets and personal experiences with me:
- Camp Knox stories coming home - Monkey Boy
- First period - coming home from camp
- Boys, music etc
... just to name a few.

If and when we meet I have some personal items I want you to have. It's not much but they remind me of our family days. Even if you don't want to see me, I'll mail them.
I'll be patient in our rebuilding efforts. I don't want to disrupt your studies.


I would like to be a part of this new chapter of your life. I didn't get the chance to play daddy during your high school years but would like to play "adult adviser, parental listener and bank . ha "
Ok I want to play daddy too.

Olivia, I have never been a stalker nor the boogie man, I have always been the daddy you used to love and talk to. I miss you sweetheart so very much. Please welcome my invite, and let's rebuild together. We can patch these holes in our hearts that are hurting. I do love you and pray that your heart will be kind and accept this invite.

I hope this touches your heart.
Love Always
Daddy


My contact info:
Cell-281.250.3102
13529 Northshoreloop, Conroe, 77304
Work: Wright's Printing - 281.367.6060

Grandma
281-292-1773

Uncle Richie & Aunt Laura
281-298-8911
email me and I'll share his cell

Uncle Scott & Aunt Laura
209.253.0299