Dear Baby Girl | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Dear Baby Girl

A letter to my younger self

74
Dear Baby Girl
theratingsgame

I write this article in the hope it gets through to someone. Whether they know the steps my shoes have been in or see a loved one walk down them, I pray and hope this message gives you tranquility and love. If you know someone going through pain or question they are, just listen. Not only to his or her words, but also to their actions. And respond with open arms. Be there for them. Be their comfort. Just love. Thank you.

Dear Baby Girl,

I know you have experienced events that you cannot explain or understand and that’s okay. Your mother shielded you from the world, so you know no evil. And when pain, manipulation, and lies looked you right into your eyes, you did not know how to respond. You grew weak with anxiety and depression. You saw no reason to care and thought ignorant ideas of yourself. You never understood why daddy was so mean to mommy and why mommy resented daddy. You didn’t know why mommy slept in your room growing up instead of hers. You thought it was normal. You thought it was normal for marriages to be filled with bickering and fighting. You thought it was normal to hide when things got rough and loud in the house. You thought it was weird to go to therapy, but when daddy told you to not say he’s a bad daddy, you thought that was weirder. You thought it was scary when daddy hit you over and over for telling a counselor that he does bad things. You thought it was best to be quiet after that. You didn’t know and that’s not your fault. You were scared when your house flooded and you were homeless. You were anxious when you lived in a friend’s house because mommy and daddy fought and you were scared your friend would find out. You were sad because your brother did not want to live with you anymore because daddy was mean. And one day you saw daddy push mommy when she defended herself from him. You saw her struggle with him to get up. Then she begged you to call the police. And you ran to a locked door and hid. You finally got the courage to call, terrified with a dry throat. Although he did time, he came back and threatened mommy to take you away if she spoke up. So for a while she didn’t. You grew up a little and realized those things aren’t normal. And when you tried to defend mommy or yourself, he hurt you. Whether from words or from hands, he tried to keep you down. And for a long time you were depressed, my goodness you were. You spent so many days in bed looking at the ceiling, wondering what you did wrong as a daughter to deserve something like this. You were so angry; you scared yourself sometimes with your thoughts and actions. You joined clubs, volunteer groups, and sports to get you away from home, away from him. They showed you a calm and humble heart, to keep fighting for what you want, and they gave you an escape from the world. They made you happy, but they did not solve the problem. He left before he saw you accomplish school, grow into a woman, and have a genuine smile on your face. I know you still wake up at night crying, I know you still have moments of anxiety, and he still tries to contact you no matter how many times you block him. I know you’ve been hurt and that you have shed an ocean of tears. I know you have experienced pain, but let me tell you life is not that way. If the present is not happy, it’s not the end. You have so many things to accomplish, to see, to feel, and to love. You have the opportunity to be a better person not just for your future children or husband, but also for the world. You have the opportunity to stop the cycle of abuse and be the next generation of greatness. You have an amazing mother and brother, supportive friends, and the opportunity of a lifetime to be great. So stand up, dry those tears, and move forward with life. Don’t let your past stop your future, but let it help you develop into the person you want it to become.

I can’t wait to see you grow up Baby Girl.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

3689
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1876
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1421
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1296
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments