A Letter To My Parents

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As I'm looking down at this screen,


All I see are the words, "Has she sent you anything yet?"


Just an indication that I'm not all that important.


All you wait for is that money,


To keep a roof over our heads.


But what have you done to deserve this?


Have you worked at all for the things we're given?


No. Not at all.


 


You call yourselves parents,


But you're more like child creators.


Parents don't let their children starve,


Or sleep on the playground in the park.


Parents don't let their children commit crimes,


Let them steal to make money for rent.


Parents love their children,


And protect them from the harsh realities of the world.


 


Instead you take advantage of your family.


Your mother, your daughter.


Even your sons sometimes.


Nothing is free in this world,


And you fail to realize that.


You fail to see that you must work if you want things.


You must work to survive.


You must work if you want to be a family again.


 


It's been ten years since this all began,


Since I was forced to grow up.


Forced to be the parent to three  young boys.


But guess what?


I'm so proud of what they've become.


One is college. The other to join the military.


And one still too young to know what you've done.


But he'll grow up just like the others,


Strong and smart.


Not a victim of this life you've forced us to live,


But a survivor.


And that's all I could ask for.


 


I love you,


And I hope you know that.


I'm sorry I had to leave.


I know you have nothing,


But I can't carry your weight anymore.


I hope one day you learn,


How to be parents.


How to be role models.


How to be a family.


 


I wrote this letter to tell you,


That I don't hate you.


But you've hurt me so much,


That I don't know how to forgive.


When I see you next,


Is when things have changed.


Please promise me that you'll try,


And we won't have to suffer any longer.


 


 

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