Thanks to reader Teresa who wrote the following question on my “Dear Guardian Angel One” post:

I don’t wish to offend, when I say that Guardian Angel One sounds a bit controlling to me. I might add, it must be difficult being discussed in someone’s blog, for all to see and comment on. How does Guardian Angel one feel about it?

As a matter of fact, I’ve been given orders from heaven to publish Guardian Angel One’s response, since she doesn’t do comments (not only because she doesn’t know how but also because she doesn’t want her e-mail address out there). But before I include her thoughts, I need to say that she has resumed her role as guardian angel (from heaven, not hell) because we have worked out our feelings. Much like a protective mother, she wanted to shield me as best she could from the animal waste that gets thrown around in political debates. And she has reassured me that her love and respect is unconditional even if I vote for a candidate she doesn’t approve of (as long as I don’t write about it).

As Guardian Angel One, I can assure you that I have learned a lot more from Therese than she has ever learned from me. I overreacted when I said “I would not read her blog or recommended that my psychiatrist friends read it if the blog becomes a political battle ground.”
As one who suffers bi-polar disorder, I think this blog is invaluable to it’s readers and that to dilute the topics which are never ending in the area of mental illness would be sad. Our feelings, our fears, our personal grief, our loneliness and lack of validation from far too many who don’t take time to learn about the diseases of the brain is what, I believe, needs attention on this particular blog. Humor is one of our greatest defenses, and Therese is a brilliant writer who incorporates humor, life experiences, endless information and facts, and has opened her heart and soul to help others. I’m a sixty-five year old lady who knows how polarizing politics are in today’s world. I was not only wanting to keep the essence of Beyond Blue intact, but to protect Therese, who is fragile, from attacks she does not deserve.
I don’t think either Therese or I are types who will be controlled by others, which is what I love about our relationship. This is the one and only time there has been misunderstanding between us.

And in fairness to Guardian Angel Two, I should publish his very loving letter to me that explained why he said Katherine looked like Miss Piggy when she cried.

Dear Therese,
I am terribly sorry I hurt you. It is the last thing I would ever want to do. I felt Katherine really wasn’t hurting, so I thought I could get her to laugh when I was saying what she looked like when she was, what I thought, make believe crying. I used to be able to get the kids to laugh when I did that when they were make believe crying. My intention was not to hurt a little child. I am so sorry if I did.
There is no way either of your children could turn out to be difficult when they get older. Your approach to parenting David shows that. He is a beautifully sensitive and affectionate boy, and I am sure with your approach Katherine will be the same way. I had eight sisters, besides my four brothers, and I used to baby sit them. Each one was different, and my mother tried so hard to be what she needed to be with each one as she was the one who spent most time with the kids. From watching her I know how hard it is to be a parent. Your children are fortunate to have you as a parent because you know how to be a friend as well as a parent to them. I am deeply sorry for having hurt you, and especially sorry if I hurt Katherine.
Love,
Guardian Angel Two

A week later, Guardian Angel Two sent electronic greeting cards to both David and Katherine, with loving notes. And he wrote this to me:

Dear Therese,
I am so glad to hear from you. I have been so worried about you. You have a tender, sensitive heart and it pains me to see you hurt. And you worry about being an inadequate parent. Every parent is inadequate. There is no one, not even the most perceptive psychiatrist on earth who can plomb the depths of a child’s heart and soul and feelings, and know precisely what a child needs. Only God can know that, which is why marriage is a partnership with God. He is always there to supply what parents may lack in their understanding of the children. Children need love and acceptance, they need the guidance of solid values, they need warmth and understanding, and gentle discipline, and a tender understanding of God and Jesus, and his mother. These you already give them, only God can supply the rest. So, be at peace. I can’t imagine a more caring, concerned mother.
Love,
Guardian Angel Two

He has regained his title, as well. So all is well in heaven for the timebeing.