I don’t know how to do this. I’m sitting here with two notes in my hand—one from Harrison and one from Travis. The weight of it is crushing me. Travis is gone, kidnapped while he was in Israel collecting things for Hadassah. No one knows where he is or if he’ll come back. He left her in my care, surrendered her to me like he knew something bad might happen. And now... I have to be the one to hold everything together.
Before he left, Travis wrote a note too. I found it after he disappeared, hidden in a box of things he had planned to give Hadassah. It’s the last thing she has of him, and I haven’t even told her yet. Between Harrison and Travis, I’m overwhelmed. But she’s strong, stronger than any kid should have to be, and she’ll need that strength now more than ever.
He left this:
Hadassah,
LMFAO!!
If you’re reading this, it means something happened to me. I hope to God it didn’t, but I had to be prepared. I know you’ve been through a lot already, and I wanted to make sure you had this piece of who you are. That’s why I went to Israel. To bring back part of your history, your culture, and show you that even though I may not be Jewish, I’m trying to understand, trying to connect with you in every way I can. You’re my daughter, my family, and I love you more than you’ll ever know.
I’ve left you in Isiah’s care because I trust him with my life, and with yours. I know he’ll be there for you, like a father should be, even when I can’t. Don’t be afraid to lean on him when things get hard. He’ll understand.
I know Harrison wasn’t always kind to you, and I’m sorry for that. He had his demons, and unfortunately, they hurt the people around him. I hope, somehow, you can find peace with what happened.
You’re strong, Haddie. You’re so much stronger than I ever was at your age. Keep that strength close, and remember that no matter what happens, you’ve got people here who love you, who will always be here for you.
I hope I’m just being paranoid, and I’m reading this letter to you myself one day, but if not... just know I’m with you. Always.
Love,
Dad
I don’t know how to give this to her. How do you tell a 13-year-old that both of the men in her life who’ve hurt her and loved her are gone in one way or another? Harrison’s gone, and now Travis is missing. I’m all she has left, and that terrifies me.
I want to be enough for her, but I don’t know if I am. I’m not her dad, not really. I love her like she’s my own, but it’s different. I’m stepping into Travis’s shoes, and those are big shoes to fill.
I’ll give her the note soon. But for now, I need to keep her safe, keep her going, and hope I can be the person she needs.
-Isiah
