The Markel family has finally been reunited with their grandchildren. This outcome reinforces my belief that persistent compassion can eventually bridge even the deepest divides. I am deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed their reflection and attention to this sensitive matter over the years.
September 1, 2021
Final supporters
An Open Letter to Wendi Adelson
Dear Wendi:
We are friends and acquaintances of Dan and yours, or simply citizens who are concerned about the situation involving your and Dan’s boys, and Dan’s parents.
We write with a simple request: that you allow Ruth and Phil Markel to see their grandchildren before it is too late.
It has now been more than three years since they have seen one another. The Markels have suffered enough in losing a son. Please do not inflict more pain on them by continuing to deny them access to their son’s children.
As you know, the boys will need even more family support and sense of self in the years ahead. Being connected to their father’s family can only help.
We are not going to speculate here as to why you have done this so far. But it is unfortunate and ironic that someone who calls herself an immigration advocate has acted to separate families in her own life.
Assuming the trial proceeds in late September, we imagine your and your children’s lives will get even more complicated in the short-term, and the legal process may not be fully completed for years. So we hope you will move quickly to resume visits before the trial.
There is still time to repair the damage. If any of us can do anything to help facilitate this, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Thank you for considering this.
Sincerely,
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
June 4, 2021
November 25, 2020
The response to this request has been profound and reminds me that many people believe in the importance of family bonds. I continue to explore quiet ways to facilitate a conversation that might bridge this long gap. Your sustained interest confirms that this is a matter of basic human decency.
Reached 100 supporters
August 22, 2019
517 Comments
In this situation, Dan's children should not be denied the in-person participation of their grandparents in the kids' lives. The unconditional love of grandparents is too important to prevent that love from reaching Dan's boys.
If you refuse to allow Ruth and Phil to see their grandsons this will only add to the tsunami you will face when the children are older and understand what has happened. Please do what is in the best interests of your children and your own future relationship with them.
Please, as someone who knows Phil and Ruthie, and knows how wonderful they are, do not deny them this privilege and do not deny your boys the opportunity to know their paternal grandparents. They have suffered enough already.
Wendi - it is important for children to know they’d heritage, their bloodline and their lineage. Even you have admitted that Danny was a loving father. Please allow their fathers family unfettered visitation. Be the woman Dan fell in love with.
As a mother and grandmother I appeal to you Wendi you are a daughter and mother put yourself in their position. And think if they stop you to see your children. They're growing up and you dont want them to blame you for that.God bless you all.
The children should be connected to their loving grandparents.
Dan Markel's story is a tragedy. Please don't keep making it worse. Let his parents spend time with his children.
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The Markel family has finally been reunited with their grandchildren. This outcome reinforces my belief that persistent compassion can eventually bridge even the deepest divides. I am deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed their reflection and attention to this sensitive matter over the years.
September 1, 2021
Final supporters
An Open Letter to Wendi Adelson
Dear Wendi:
We are friends and acquaintances of Dan and yours, or simply citizens who are concerned about the situation involving your and Dan’s boys, and Dan’s parents.
We write with a simple request: that you allow Ruth and Phil Markel to see their grandchildren before it is too late.
It has now been more than three years since they have seen one another. The Markels have suffered enough in losing a son. Please do not inflict more pain on them by continuing to deny them access to their son’s children.
As you know, the boys will need even more family support and sense of self in the years ahead. Being connected to their father’s family can only help.
We are not going to speculate here as to why you have done this so far. But it is unfortunate and ironic that someone who calls herself an immigration advocate has acted to separate families in her own life.
Assuming the trial proceeds in late September, we imagine your and your children’s lives will get even more complicated in the short-term, and the legal process may not be fully completed for years. So we hope you will move quickly to resume visits before the trial.
There is still time to repair the damage. If any of us can do anything to help facilitate this, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Thank you for considering this.
Sincerely,
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
June 4, 2021
November 25, 2020
The response to this request has been profound and reminds me that many people believe in the importance of family bonds. I continue to explore quiet ways to facilitate a conversation that might bridge this long gap. Your sustained interest confirms that this is a matter of basic human decency.
Reached 100 supporters
August 22, 2019
517 Comments
Wendi, one thing that is certain is how much you and Dan adore your boys. They deserve as rich a childhood as possible, and family -- both sides -- is a crucial part of that. The Markels are good people and loving grandparents -- please do the right thing!
In this situation, Dan's children should not be denied the in-person participation of their grandparents in the kids' lives. The unconditional love of grandparents is too important to prevent that love from reaching Dan's boys.
If you refuse to allow Ruth and Phil to see their grandsons this will only add to the tsunami you will face when the children are older and understand what has happened. Please do what is in the best interests of your children and your own future relationship with them.
Please, as someone who knows Phil and Ruthie, and knows how wonderful they are, do not deny them this privilege and do not deny your boys the opportunity to know their paternal grandparents. They have suffered enough already.
Wendi - it is important for children to know they’d heritage, their bloodline and their lineage. Even you have admitted that Danny was a loving father. Please allow their fathers family unfettered visitation. Be the woman Dan fell in love with.
As a mother and grandmother I appeal to you Wendi you are a daughter and mother put yourself in their position. And think if they stop you to see your children. They're growing up and you dont want them to blame you for that.God bless you all.
The children should be connected to their loving grandparents.
Dan Markel's story is a tragedy. Please don't keep making it worse. Let his parents spend time with his children.
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Wendi, one thing that is certain is how much you and Dan adore your boys. They deserve as rich a childhood as possible, and family -- both sides -- is a crucial part of that. The Markels are good people and loving grandparents -- please do the right thing!