March 6, 1999
Dear Mom,
Dad apologized today. Like, really apologized. Said he wanted to be better for me, to help me through this, to honor your memory better. I said okay.
We went to the park. We talked. He asked about my classes, and for once there was no shouting match when I mentioned my criminology ones. He seemed very interested in Lanie, and he even wants to meet her. I'm not sure that's such a good idea, not when our truce is so tentative. Whatever view Lanie has of Dad has come from me, and I can almost guarantee it's not good. She's not exactly the type known for civilized manners either. She speaks her mind-no more, no less.
I told him I'd ask her.
Then I asked if we could visit your grave.
It was cold and windy when we got there, just like at your funeral. There were a few other people milling around the cemetery, but mostly we had the place to ourselves. We sat down in front of your tombstone and cried.
So there you go. My entire day. My life is chock full of fun. But no, really it felt good to reconnect.
Long overdue. But at least we're trying.
Love,
Kate