Dear Mom and Dad,

There is so much that I want to say and explain to you guys, but for now, I will simply say I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I left for Louisiana and didn’t look back, and I’m sorry for not giving you an explanation. I want you guys to know that I love you so much and I now realize how much I hurt you by leaving home unexpectedly. Just know that I did what I thought was necessary for myself to be happy.

After my breakup and leaving CWU, I felt really alone. I know that I could’ve talked to you guys, but I didn’t. I had a couple good friends to talk to, but somehow I still felt really alone. I started sinking further into my depression to a point where if I didn’t do something about it, then who knows what would have happened. Luckily, I had soccer at GHC and that gave me something to really look forward to and something to dedicate all of my time to. Sports always helped me get through anything that I couldn’t handle on my own. When I blew out my knee a second time, and I couldn’t play soccer anymore, I became so depressed, and I started making very poor decisions. At this point, I had no coping mechanisms left, I felt very alone, and I wasn’t looking toward God for help.

That following Christmas, Kristi came home and shared about all the amazing things the ULM Wesley was doing and talked about the community of young Christians there, and I desperately wanted to be a part of it. I needed a group of people my own age that was going through similar things that I was and that could help me grow spiritually. Most importantly, I needed a God-centered place in which I could heal and become the person I so wanted to become. Looking back on my decision, I know that I made the right choice.

Since moving to Louisiana, I have changed in so many ways. I can talk about my past and share the darkest parts of myself with people without the fear of being judged. I can share my testimony in random churches in the hopes that what I have to say can help someone in any way. I know that God put me through certain things to help me grow and to point my life up towards Him. I am so happy I came to Louisiana, but I am mad at myself that I didn’t come to you for help in the first place.

I hope as you read this you can understand why I did what I did and forgive me for leaving without a reason why. I’m glad I’ve finally gotten to a point where I can tell you a little bit about my reasons for leaving, and I’m sorry I didn’t have the courage to tell you in person. Please know that you both mean so much to me and that I needed to leave home so that I could make it through life.

I love you so much.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter