A Letter to my Daughter: June 28, 2010

Dear Daughter, It's been a long time since I've written a letter. I'm sorry about that. You're ten. In only a few months you'll be eleven. When I was your age, so many things were changing in my life. I moved to another state. I lost friends, and made new ones. I changed schools. I changed the way I dressed. To some extent, I replaced one childhood with another. In some ways, I was better for it. In others, I was not. You've been a handful, recently. It hasn't been easy being your father. It hasn't been easy for any of your parents. I guess, in some way, you're starting to replace one childhood with another, just as I did. You're growing up, sometimes much quicker than I'd like. You're maturing, which causes conflicts with your natural immaturity. Your innocence toward the world is shifting. In some ways, I wish I could keep you as my little baby girl. In others, I know that if I don't help you learn about the world, you may lose a part of yourself to it. My biggest priority now is to prepare you for what's to come, while still allowing you to be a ten, almost eleven year old girl. It's not easy. You might not agree with some of the things I have to do, but I want you to know that it's for your own best interest. Remember always that I love you. I would do anything for you. Sometimes, I have to do things you may not agree with for your own well-being. It doesn't change the fact that I love you. Be mindful of your family. Be mindful of your parents. At any time in your life, they will be the people there to help you. They will always have some love for you, even if years come between you. Be well, daughter. Stand tall, stand strong. Do what is right. Do what is honest. Love, always, Your father.