Inspiration from “A Second Time”- Galvin

My adolescent years: the ones where you had put up with so much. I was a child of a restless, confused, defiant spirit that called for lectures and punishments. The years we had grown and learned from each other. I would always consider you my hero through all the heart-break I had faced and still will face.

The memory of one tear running down my face, when I received the horrible news of joint custody.

The three dusty, old homes we had, that constantly needed to be sprayed with Febreze to freshen the air, when the de-humidifier seemed to be insufficient. Long summer days of climbing trees and being called in for dinner, the little things.

“I want my mommy! I want my mommy!” was what I screamed in the movie theater at the premier of Fairy Tale because I didn’t know how to sit still. The cops coming to interview you to justify whether or not you were actually my father was enough humiliate and embarrass you. By a mere glance at our faces, how could anyone think I wasn’t your daughter but nevertheless mom came and explained. 

The way you always knew exactly what to say, no matter what mundane, childish problems I was dealing with. Those pre-teen, awkward years: you tried to help with feminine products, but could only do so much. Making decisions on what friends to have was always decided on your valued opinion. Learning to control my temper was always put in-check by authoritative reminders of how to not act.

The constant phrase I hear “It’s only temporary”, would ring true for every task or adversity.

Knowing that with the struggles in the past, you were always there to guide and comfort. But most importantly, we needed each other at time, when life seemed rough and meaningless. Thank you is not enough; I’ve been molded by your lessons and wisdom that has helped me see who I want to become.