Leaving Home
Dear Frankie,
When my family adopted me, they told me that I was a member of the family and one of their children. When my three sibs got older, they began to leave home one by one. My oldest brother went into the army, my oldest sister married, and my youngest sister became an airline stewardess. I, however, stayed at home with my parents.
When I asked my parents when I would be leaving, now that I was grown up, they seemed puzzled by my question. I explained that as one of their adult children, I thought I was expected to leave like my siblings. They assured me that wasn’t the case and I would live with them as my forever family.
That was comforting to hear. But the more I think about it, the more I realize I was looking forward to leaving and beginning a new chapter.
Andy
Dear Andy,
What exactly do you have in mind when you begin this new chapter? Do you really think college, marriage, military service, or being a flight attendant is in the cards for you?
Andy, you have been swept away by your parents’ magical thinking that you are a child and a human member of their family. Magical thinking is the operational term here. You are not a human, Andy. You are a dog. Accept it and enjoy your good fortune as one.
Best, Frankie
© 2023 Geneva Woodruff
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