Dear Shirley, Earth Anglel:

You never shared so much about your parents and (some about) your brother in this getting close to 600 post-threads. I am very pleased that you shared more than ever before.

Do wear your t-shirts and shorts, not skirts; your hair short and persist in your goal to be a scientist … and do continue to reach out to your athletic goals… and no need for you to like shopping and be into fashion and jewelry and flowers.

I once heard the concept that the mother is a vehicle for the child to get into the world; the child passes through the mother’s body into the world, that is all. Therefore, a mother doesn’t own the child, should not possess the child and enforce her ways on the child.

You are your own person, the one and only Shirley, Earth Angel.

Their values and yours are very different. One day, in a few years, you will be living away from them, in your own place, maybe with roommates, people of your choosing, people whose values are similar to yours.

Unlike in times gone in history or in some places in the world, you, Shirley, are not stuck in a social caste or trapped in a family you were born through (not “into”)- you can choose and it is okay that you do.

I don’t like their criticism of you, I really don’t.

Be strong, Shirley- have your faith, as I do- in who you are, the precious individual that you are. There is no one like you and I am glad that you are on this earth!

anita