Dear Cercilyn,
What I imagined would never happen did just a few months ago, when I saw our father again for the first time in years and-to even greater surprise-I got in contact with you and Trell. Guess dreams really do come true.
For years I wondered if we would ever speak again, if I would ever see your face before I had passed on to the other side of life. You were only a year old when our dad and your mom divorced. I was nine and I had no control over what happened to our relationship. Heck, I didn't know they were divorced until I was 12. It was a really rough time-those few years they were married-and I was sheltered from the repercussions as much as possible.
Since you can't remember any of it, I won't bother explaining to you the things I witnessed on the outskirts of your parents' tumultuous marriage. You're still young and although very gifted, you'll have a hard time understanding why things fell apart and why circumstances are as they are. I want you to remain innocent, unfazed by all that has happened. I can tell from our sporadic conversations that your childlike wonder has already been spoiled, but I feel it's my obligation as your sister to protect you.
Instead of sifting through certain details, I'll give you the one gift I'm sure no one else can give-a piece of our father. His absence can't be filled with my words but there's a certain peace in knowing. Well, to start, you are a spitting image of our father. Granted you're light-skinned (lol) but you've got his looks from head to toe. Your posture and physical presence (from what photos I've seen) are identical to his. You are smart, you possess this intelligent trait that most of us Glenn folks have. You are gifted with speech and can draw your little butt off. That's Dad all the way. You play basketball, and from what my mom has told me you get that from Daddy, too.
I know life hasn't been easy without him. I know that firsthand. I also know you'll grow up to be a wonderful woman, because you are an awesome girl. Don't let life tell you how to be; make the world bend to fit who you are. Know who you are, and let that definition-your thoughts, goals, talents-determine what successes you'll have. The statistics say that Black girls who are reared without their fathers turn to the wrong men to complete them. You are already complete, you have everything you need (two sets of chromosomes) to be complete. Don't let his addiction define you.
I know it feels as if we're strangers, and in so many ways we are. Regardless of what DNA tests and nonbelievers say, we are family. I miss you and I love you too.
Sincerely,
Your big sis
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