I'm aware of this question but I think my situation is different.

I cut off contact with my parents 5 years ago after a physical confrontation with my father that continues to scare me. I ignored all communication from them and several years later, they stopped trying. I hope I never see him again.

But my mother is a good person and has always loved me. I'm not sure but I think she would want to get back in touch with me. And not talking to her and not knowing what has happened to her after all these years has made me incredibly sad and the burden continues to grow. To make things worse, I have a child that I know my mother would love.

I expect that my father would exploit any contact between my mother and me to force himself back into my life. If I get back in touch with my mother I would want to do my best to make sure he doesn't find me or think that I will talk to him. But he has probably lied to my mother about the incident to gain her sympathy so I'm not sure she would side with me to keep him at bay.

Is it possible to reach out to my mother after so long or is it too late, assuming she is still alive? If I can reach out, how should I do it? I know I would need to apologize but beyond that I'm lost.

I'm aware of this question but I think my situation is different.

I cut off contact with my parents 5 years ago after a physical confrontation with my father that continues to scare me. I ignored all communication from them and several years later, they stopped trying. I hope I never see him again.

But my mother is a good person and has always loved me. I'm not sure but I think she would want to get back in touch with me. And not talking to her and not knowing what has happened to her after all these years has made me incredibly sad and the burden continues to grow. To make things worse, I have a child that I know my mother would love.

I expect that my father would exploit any contact between my mother and me to force himself back into my life. If I get back in touch with my mother I would want to do my best to make sure he doesn't find me or think that I will talk to him. But he has probably lied to my mother about the incident to gain her sympathy so I'm not sure she would side with me to keep him at bay.

Assuming my mother is still alive and is receptive to being contacted, how should I do it? I know I would need to apologize but beyond that I'm lost.