"But, Daddy . . ."

Let me share an actual letter written by a 14-year-old girl about her father, published in "American Girl" magazine.  She wrote:

When I was 10, my parents got a divorce.  Naturally, my father told me about it, 'cause he was my favorite.  "Honey, I know it's been kind of bad for you these last few days, and I don't want to make it any worse, but there's something I have to tell you.  Honey, your mother and I got a divorce."  "But, Daddy..."  "Now I know you don't want this, but it has to be done.  Your mother and I just don't get along like we used to.  I'm already packed, and my plane is leaving in half-an-hour."  "But, Daddy, why do you have to leave?"  "Well, honey, your mother and I just can't live together anymore."  "Well I know that, but I mean, why do you have to leave town?"  "Oh, well, I've got someone waiting for me in New Jersey."  "But, Daddy, will I ever see you again?"  "Oh, sure you will, honey. We'll work something out."  "OK, Daddy.  Good-bye.  Don't forget to write me."  "I won't. 'Bye. Now, go to your room."  "Daddy, I don't want you to go."  "I know, honey, but I have to."  "OK.  Well, I guess that's the way life goes sometimes."  After my father walked out that door, I never heard from him again.

The words written by that young girl need no elaboration.  But she could tell you so much more!

By Dr. James Dobson