Beautiful girl,

      I am so sorry for the pain I have inflicted your way.

      I'm sorry for the harsh judgement I posed on you.

      I'm sorry for the cruel words and endless criticism.

     I'm sorry for the compassion I shared with everyone, but you.

     I'm sorry for the nights you cried yourself to sleep.

     I'm sorry for the days that flew by with no recollection,

     Because you were overcome with sorrow and self-doubt.

      I'm sorry for the way I isolated you in the darkest pits of my thoughts.

     I am grateful for the forgiveness you've grown to show me.

     I share in the tears that I've caused you.

     I cannot express how sorry I am for treating you so poorly.

     But know sweet girl,

     That we have taken this pain and turned it into something beautiful.

     You love bigger, because I showed you only hatred in the past.

     You dream bigger, because I used to tell you that you'd amount to nothing.

     You speak louder, because I silenced you for so many years.

     You express gratitude for your freedom, because I kept you entrapped for so long.

     You cling to self-love and care, because you had to fight to know a different life.

     I'm sorry I didn't make your journey any easier.

     But in the end,

     We got where we needed to be.

     You never understood how strong you were.

     You didn't see the resilience reaping your pores, as you fought to see light in dark times.

     I saw in you a desperation to live.

      Even in your darkest moments, you never wished for the end.

     You were lucky, that way.

     Lucky in a way that not everyone is.

     You were lucky our mental health didn't spin us in that direction.

      The knowledge that I wouldn't have allowed you to seek help,

     Is most heartbreaking...

      I saw in you a desperation to live.

      A desperation to live, with no means of doing so.

      You were surviving.

      Every bit of energy summoned used to pull yourself out of bed every morning.

      I gave you no energy to spare.

      You longed to be carefree,

      To be goofy and free.

     And I did the cruelest of things, one can do to a child.

     I destroyed every part of who you were.

     Instead of helping you grow,

     I trapped you in a body that wouldn't let your true self shine.

     To shield myself from pain I tried to wither your essence.

     I didn't realize I was slowly killing you.

     I didn't realize I was prevented you from living the life you/we were meant to live.

     You are enough, darling.

     You were always enough.

     You have always been worthy.

     You deserve better than the treatment you received.

     You are deserving of everything you desire.

     You deserve every form of love this world has to offer.

     I love you.

     I'm no longer afraid to speak those words.

     I so wish, I would have spoken up sooner.

      You are so loved.

     Stay strong.

     Be patient.

     You cannot begin to imagine the blessings to come.

     You will love the friendship that we have developed,

     For we have taken the time to heal.

     I'm sorry it took so long,

     But rest assured that you are in safe arms, now.

     No matter what happens, I will always be there for you.