Diary #3
Dear Dad,
One of the best things you ever did for me was to treat me like an actual member of the club despite my gender. Going through the MCD program taught me so many things, which I’m thankful for. There were a few years when it felt like it didn’t matter, that I knew people would hurt me no matter what. And while that is true in the sense that some people will hurt others regardless of how smart, strong, or prepared they are, it doesn’t mean I can’t protect myself.
It’s not an all-or-nothing situation. I’m not either prepared and safe or unprepared and unsafe. Life doesn’t work like that. I can only control what I can, and usually, that’s just me. And I’m going to choose to be prepared and as knowledgeable as I can, regardless of the outcome, which brings me back to the point of this letter.
Tonight, I felt like the version of myself I want to be.
Strong and carefree.
Respected and loved.
Determined and passionate.
Trusting and optimistic.
The four men in my life show me the best parts of myself, and if only for that reason, I hope you accept them because I’m not giving them up.
You gave me the courage to be who I am, and I’m finally taking it.
See you soon, Dad.
Love,
Darcie