It’s your oldest daughter reaching out to you, and there’s something important I’ve been wanting to express. It’s a message I contemplate often, but words sometimes fail me. So here it is: thank you.
Thank you for being aware of my whereabouts. That night at the lake was just another outing. I went with a friend—a boy, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary. I had known him for years, and he was someone you were familiar with too. We even attended Junior Prom together. Still, I understood the importance of asking for your permission before heading out, and he was well aware of your rule about returning home within an hour.
You and Mom were the kind of parents who fostered openness and communication. Our home was always bustling with friends, and you knew them all. You were involved in my life, and I didn’t fully grasp then that this involvement would one day protect me—not my life, but the very essence of who I am.
That night, something terrible happened at the lake, Dad. But it could have been far worse. My ‘friend’ didn’t seek consent before trying to kiss me, and when I said no, his hands didn’t stop. They persisted even when I attempted to push him away. “If you scream, no one will hear you,” he threatened, and suddenly, I felt paralyzed by fear.
As a young woman, you think about how you’ll respond when faced with such danger. You imagine being strong, being able to assert yourself, to say no. But when the moment arrives, can you truly prepare for the bone-chilling terror or the force of your assailant? I certainly wasn’t ready for it.
In that moment of dread, I remembered how you insisted I take my phone with me, just in case we lost track of time. Amidst the chaos, I managed to pull it from my pocket, but he snatched it away immediately. Adrenaline surged through me, yet it didn’t grant me superhuman strength—only fear.
Then my phone rang, and everything froze. It was you, Dad. An hour had passed, and you were calling to check in. He understood that if I didn’t answer, you would come looking for me. I answered, and your voice broke through my panic, cutting through the grip of that moment. You told me to come home. But more than that, I felt your love and protection radiating through the phone. Because you knew where I was, I was able to escape that situation.
He left me with menacing threats, vowing to return and finish what he had started. He told me that if I told anyone, he would label me a whore. But I did tell. I confided in Mom, and true to her nature, she took action. She drove to his house and informed his mother, then went to his girlfriend’s home to do the same. In retaliation, he spread lies about me at school. He was a popular football player; his claims were believed. My senior year turned into a nightmare as he tried to take my friends and my happiness. Yet, he failed to take what truly mattered—my innocence remained intact. It was mine to give, simply because you were aware of where I was.
Words might fall short in conveying the depth of my gratitude for what you did that night, but I hope this letter sheds some light on how much I respect and appreciate you as a parent.
Thank you once more, Dad. Thank you for knowing where I was.
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In summary, expressing gratitude to a parent can be a powerful acknowledgment of their impact on our lives, especially during trying times.