I'm adopted, and decided long ago never to contact my birth-parents. However, when my biological father sent me a letter, via the adoption agency, an inner struggle started and gave birth to an idea. I asked the agency if we could use them to correspond anonymously, and they agreed.

My biological father is a lot like "Brooks" in "Shawshank Redemption."  He was a respected, sober, successful man in prison, but on the outside, he couldn't stay sober.  He was an often homeless, panhandling drunk.  Below is a beautiful poem he wrote to me shortly after we began our letters-only relationship:

November Skies

Evocative and beautiful, to me
November skies refresh my memory

Slate-gray sky with snowflakes tumbling by;
Bittersweet, a tear-drop in my eye

I looked for God and peace of mind so long
How comforting to know my life went on

Despite my stumbling, foolishness and pride
My child was growing, living, and wide-eyed!

Vitality and love, a woman now
The winter wind blows differently, somehow

Signaling a season, fresh and real
Yet another reason, now to heal

Last night I dreamed a dream of poignancy
November skies above looked down on me

Tonight before I sleep I’ll say a prayer
For all of us, God’s children, everywhere.

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Many people watch the evening news.  Picture yourself seeing the mugshot of a man who just robbed a bank.  What do you think most people's impression of this man would be? 

My birth-father's letters remind others that he is an educated, soulfull, beautiful person.
If you're interested in reading more about our unique relationship, please stop by my blog:  http://abetterlifebook.blogspot.com/