Dear Dad,

It’s been a while since the last time we spoke, so I just thought I’d update you on how my life has
been going.

I miss you! I thought college was going to be fun, but now that I’m actually here and you’re not
with me, it’s really hard. I’ve had to learn how to budget, how to cook my own meals, and how to
do the laundry. You used to do so much of that stuff for me while I was still living at home, and I
feel bad that I wasn’t more grateful or appreciative. Thank you for always putting up with me
and being so patient with me!

A couple weeks ago, I met a really cute guy. He’s really smart and he’s in a few of my classes, so
I got him to tutor me and we’ve gotten quite friendly now. I’m tempted to ask him out, but I’m not
really sure if I should because all of my high school boyfriends turned out to be jerks and I’m
scared that he isn’t any different than them. I wish you were here to give me advice. I remember
how I used to get so mad whenever you tried to tell me what to do, but honestly, that doesn’t
sound so bad anymore.

On that note, I think you’ll be pleased to hear that I finally took your advice about going to
therapy. I did a bit of research, and after a while, I was able to find a therapist that I vibed well
with AND whose services are covered by my insurance (how lucky is that)!? I’ve been going to
her every week for two months now, and I’ve gotten so much better. I haven’t cut myself for two
weeks now, and it’s been so hard, but it would’ve been impossible if not for this therapist. She’s
also given me so much perspective and guided me towards breakthrough- I find it easier and
easier to get out of bed each morning. I hope you’re proud of me, dad. I know you never like to
see me sad or hurting, but now I’m taking steps towards healing.

Mom and I haven’t really gotten along lately, either. We’ve been bickering so much lately- we
never see eye to eye now. I bet you’re surprised to hear that, because we used to get along so
well. But it’s like she’s turned into a different person now, and she’s a little scary to be around.
Sometimes she says it’s not your fault and that she doesn’t blame you, but other times she throws
angry fits over you leaving her. Most worrying of all, she’s stopped going to church. Apart from
the random men she keeps bringing home, she’s completely built walls up around herself. I can’t
believe I’m saying this, but I’m starting to miss the gossipy Bible study ladies.

Sadie doesn’t want to tell you, and I think she’s gonna be so mad at me when she finds out I did,
but she’s pregnant!! When she told the father, he left her, and she’s so ashamed. I keep trying to
tell her that there’s nothing to be ashamed off, but she won’t listen to me and I think she’s
thinking of getting an abortion. I respect whatever she wants to do, but it’s so sad because I was
kinda looking forward to having a niece. I’m sorry if you’re disappointed too, I know you’ve
always wanted a grandchild.

Anyway, that’s all the juicy news I have for you. Again, I miss you so much and I think of you
every day.

Lots of love,

Jen

Jennifer capped her pen, tucked her letter into the envelope, and carefully set it down next to the
cross and the bouquet of freshly picked lilies. Delicately, she kissed the headstone as a tear
slowly made its way down her cheek.

“I love you, Dad,” she whispered, “life is really hard without you.”