Hi Dimitri,
I’m writing to you all the way from Bangkok, Thailand in the 2019. It’s a long ways off for you, but it’s definitely something you can look forward to seeing on day, in the not so distant future. I thought about you today as I looked out at the expanse of this amazing city, and it brought me to tears. Why was I crying you may ask? It’s because as I was sightseeing I thought about the abuse you’re having to endure at the moment, and your sense of hopelessness. I don’t want you to give up. I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me, it gets better.
Those tears that you’re crying, will one day turn to joy. Your parents love you, and they care deeply about you. They have no way of knowing the abuse happening to you by your cousins. They trust them, they are family after all. Maybe you could tell them, and they will intervene, but I know you won’t because you’re so afraid that you would be re-victimized, and that’s okay. Do what you think is best. When you get older, you’ll find the strength to let go of the hurt you feel right now. I’m so proud of you, Dimitri. Despite all that has happened, you forgave them. Even before you knew how to accept what happened.
Growing up you will have some academic struggles through high school. You will be placed on academic probation several times, and unfortunately you won’t get to graduate from high school. Don’t beat yourself up about it. I have good news! Although you won’t graduate high school, you will go on to placing in the top of your class at community college. Not only will you earn an Associates degree, you will go on to get 2 bachelors degree, and 2 masters degree. Thinking about your accomplishments makes me cry. They are happy tears, because I know how much you will hurt believing you’re not academically gifted. Be confident, because things do get better.
As you get older you will grow even more fond of your parents, and you’ll realize just how much you love them. In fact, you understand what it means to love, because they taught you how. Therefore don’t get too upset at your parents, they are doing the best for you.
The time between when I first started this letter, and now, are several days apart. I’m on vacation and spent the last few days living in the moment. I want you to do the same. Take some time to enjoy the beauty of nature, and the differences in the people around you. Embrace change, honor the past, and face the future with lots of hope.
I wish I could put into words how much you’re loved. Your parents call you daily, and this past week you met complete strangers who took their time to show you around Busan, South Korea. Life today isn’t perfect, Dimitri, and it never will be. However the beauty is that you have life, you have today, you have this moment; it’s yours. Use it. Live it. Celebrate it.
Hang in there, you’re in for a ride, and it’s a magical one. I love you.
Sincerely,
Yourself
P.S. – It dawned on me that you may want a gift from the future, something to know this is real. Find your parents, hug’em. Lay your head on daddy’s chest. Listen to his heartbeat, it will sooth your soul. Listen to each breath your mom breathes, it demonstrates strength….you see, they (our parents) are my treasures right now, and the beautiful thing is, I get to share them with you, over 3 decades apart….they are going to be there for you, every step of the way.
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Dimitri Lyon 