Follow-up to The Big Hit.

The right parents will look at their children and say “what hurts me from my past and present will not be put onto you. I will love you and everything you do that does not bring harm to anyone, including yourself.

“I won’t let your dreams and focus be redirected to meet my needs. You’ll never have to fear opening up to me about how you’re doing, why you’re doing something, who you choose to identify as, and what your heart calls for the most.

“Most importantly, letting me know whenever I’ve hurt you. Tell me what I did wrong to you, so that I change myself for the better, versus knowing so I can hide it better from others, while changing the tone of my voice to bring you down.”

“As a parent, I want my relationship with you to be a positive and lasting template. One which you safely choose the right friends, associates, and romantic partners, should you choose to have any.

“I refuse to gossip and degrade you for not having a romantic connection at any point. I refuse to shame you for not giving me grandchildren in that same energy. If those times never come, you’ll be loved no matter what.

“As your parent, I hope you remember me for the good times. To also remember the times where you were taught why something you did was wrong, without causing you emotional or physical harm you’ll never forget.

“I want to give you things without questioning if I’ll guilt you into caring for my needs later on. When I give you something, it will be a honest gift, not a disguised transaction.

“In total, I want to be the parent to you that I never had. Even if they tried without me knowing it, or me even believing it, what they’ve done is enough to help me give you the love that I deserved. ”

D.F.