Letters

Dad,

Would you please just lay off! I know you’re trying to protect me and all, but I don’t need it. I just wanna live my own life.

You’re wrong, you know. This guy, he’s perfect. We really love each other. This is gonna last. I wish you could see that. But you’re blinded by your own opinion. You are so condescending! I’m not a little girl anymore. This is my life, and I’m gonna do what I want, like it or not. So please just back off.

Sincerely,

Your daughter

Dearest Nancy,

I wish you would reconsider your last letter to me. I know you’re not a little girl anymore, but you are still young. You cannot place all your trust in this boy.

I love you dearly and I want to spare you from the heartache and pain you are currently walking into. I wish you could see this from my perspective. Please listen to the wisdom of those who have come before you. Learn from others’ mistakes, rather than making your own.

Love,

Dad

Father,

Would you please cease your attempts to control my life? All these years, you’ve piled your so-called wisdom upon me, but I’m done listening. I’m old enough to know right from wrong.

I’m tired of listening to your criticism. Everything in my life disappoints you. I’m done trying to follow your prudish standards.

I don’t need you. I have a new man in my life. He’s all I need. So please stop trying to persuade me to follow your ludicrous ideas. I’m done with you.

-Nancy

Daddy,

I’ve really messed up! Nothing turned out the way I planned it. I thought he really loved me, but when things got bad, he left me to survive on my own. But I couldn’t! I don’t know what to do.

I know I told you that I didn’t need you, that I didn’t want your help, but I was wrong. I need you in my life. I am young and foolish. I ignored your wisdom. I practically spat in your face. You have every right to be angry with me, to make me find my own way out of this mess. But I’m asking you, I’m begging you, will you please help me? Daddy I need your help, I need you in my life.

Love,

Your little girl

My precious daughter,

My heart breaks for the pain you’ve gone through. I was trying to shield you, to protect you, but sometimes you just have to learn from your own mistakes.

I truly am sorry that your plan didn’t work the way you wanted. I wish I had been wrong. But I am happy that you came to me for help. Please know that I will always be here for you. This is unquestionably not the last time you will make the wrong choice. There will be more times in your life when you fall. I want to always be there to catch you when you fall, but I know there will be times that you push me away. I will step aside if you ask me to, but please know this: regardless of how hard or how far away you push me, I will be there for you the second you ask for help. I will never abandon you.

Love always,

Daddy