Dear Alex of February 4th, 2016
When your parents fight, do not ignore it.
There is no reason to pretend things are perfect.
Because they are not. And that is okay.
It is okay to turn up the volume on the television
To hide the screams, or go to your sister's room to see
If she understands why they argue, how they can
Battle when originally they chose love and not war.
It is okay to see your Dad sleeping in the guest room,
Or try to listen to their words even if you know you will not
Comprehend what is truly happening until you are
Older.
Remember when mommy asks you how you would
Feel if she and Daddy were to separate when you were 8?
Remember how mother would feign a smile each time we had to move,
As if you did not hear her cries from the night before?
Remember how mom grew less sad after each long
Business trip dad went on?
Remember how you began to grow immune to the slamming
Of doors and raising of voices?
Remember the little heartbreaks. It will not prepare you for what's coming,
But it may help you understand.
Remember, it is not your fault.
It will get better.
It may be slow, but it takes time to heal.
Remember that your family was already
Fractured before it became broken.
Yours, Alex
