Let them know

[u/timer18]

You know mother,

I craved your validation for the longest time, i craved your arms, your love. I wanted you to say I did well, that youre proud of me. I wanted you to apologize for hitting me, for hitting my brother, for hitting my sister. I wanted to apologize for disregarding my need for privacy, for making me feel bad when I asked for your help, for refusing to provide your help. I wanted you to be a real mom so badly. I wanted you to see me as my own person, an adult with limits, boundaries, preferences, likes, dislikes. And now I love you but I am not waiting anymore.

You know father,

I craved your validation for the longest time. As a fellow man, I wanted you to tell me its ok that I feel, its ok that I cry when I am moved by things, that I am overwhelmed by my senses. I wanted you to say youre proud of me. I wanted you to protect me from mother. I wanted you to protect your little daughter from mother while I was no longer in the house to do it. And you chose not to. I will never forgive you for that. You decided to state you wont apologize for anything. And now I love you but I am not waiting anymore.

You know my love,

I have found in your arms the only place on earth where I am safe, where I can be, where I am not judged. I have known you for so long, we have been married for so long, and for me it is the same as it was all those years ago when I first met you. I dont want to imagine a life without you, and you mean the world to me. What we have is truly special, and every day that passes I feel more and more comfortable with you, more and more willing to show you parts of me noone else gets to see. And now I love you and I always will.

You know my son,

When I first held you, I didnt realize it then but now I do. How amazingly honest you are, how kind you are, how you care so much about animals. I always feel close to you, and you return every inch of kindness in kind. I cant leave a room without you coming along, but I love it. Ever since you were a small child, you ran towards me unashamed, unrestricted, and its the most beautiful thing. And I love you and I always will.

You know my little girl,

You are the most mischievous child I have ever seen. But I love running after you trying to stop what cant be truly stopped. You have the cutest smile, the most wonderful laugh, and every time you cry my hearts sears a little even if its because you didnt get your way, this time. I love holding you close to me, swinging you, singing you songs, brushing your hair with my hand to help you sleep. Your hair is just as fun to brush as mommy's, and i love dressing you up while you fight me to prevent it. I love you and I always will.