DEAR MY GIRL, baby… nothing about this is your fault.

You were born deserving to be loved loudly, consistently, joyfully, and without conditions.

You were born worthy of protection and presence.

You were never too much for him — he was just never enough for you.

You were never hard to love — he was simply incapable of loving anyone beyond his own chaos.

And the people who should have guided him failed you too. They should’ve protected you. They should’ve stepped up when he couldn’t. They should’ve made sure you never stood alone in that driveway that night.

But I did what they didn’t.

I protected you.

I watched you.

I listened to you.

I believed you.

And when you told me you wanted peace — really wanted it — I chose it for you.

You are safe now.

You are free now.

And God sent J into your life for a reason. You picked him long before you understood why. You trusted him long before you knew the meaning of the word. He became your father by action, by heart, by consistency, not by blood.

The truth is, you aren’t losing a father.

You’re gaining your life back.

You’re shedding pain that never belonged to you.

You’re stepping out of a cycle that’s older than both of us.

You are breaking something generational without even knowing it.

I’m proud of you. I’m proud of your courage. I’m proud of the way you speak up, even when your voice shakes. I’m proud of the way you trust your spirit. I’m proud of you for choosing yourself — something so many adults never learn how to do.

And as your mother, I promise you — that was the last time you will ever have to question whether you are wanted. The last time you will ever wonder where you stand. The last time you will ever have to settle for crumbs from someone incapable of feeding anybody’s soul.

You are loved. You are safe. You are free. And this chapter is finally — finally — closed.

XOXO, THE HEALING WILDFLOWER