Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor Frankl was talking about something a bit more intense than communication between separated parents, but the analogy still applies. You will be judged not on (email) attacks on your character, but how you choose to respond to those attacks. Take the time to carefully and mindfully choose your response.