Who are you again?

When your parent doesn't see you or keep in contact, it can be difficult for your relationship with the parent. While this isn't an issue in some divorces, it is definitely a prevalent one in others.

Why?
This is one of the most pressing question on my mind when a parent hasn't seen their child for an extended period of time or doesn't contact them. Is it court ordered? Is it for the child's safety? Is it their choice? The answer to this question definitely has an impact on the nature of this separation. If it's court ordered or for your safety, it is more understandable. Sadly, in many cases, a parent chooses not to see or speak with their children.

It's Been a While
We're not talking a few days or a couple of weeks. Some parents withdraw from their children's lives for months, even years, some by choice. From my personal experience, I can tell you that this is very difficult. After all of this time, most days I don't even remember my other parent exists. They've been out of my life for so long that I don't know who they are and I don't think they'd know me. As many children of divorce do, I think of all of the things I've accomplished, stuff I'd normally be able to tell the other parent. But my experiences in the time my parent has been out of my life have made into a completely different person. If you're facing an absent parent, you know that forgetting a parent is unnerving feeling. The worst part is that there's not always something you can do to fix it. I recommend trying to keep in touch with them. If that doesn't work, you're left with no choice but to forget and hope you'll find each other later in life.