I’ve had a lot of personal reflection on this past week. Actually I’ve had quite a bit since the #metoo movement took hold. Being a father of 2 young daughters, as well as having someone very close to me being sexually assaulted when she was a teenager, how could I not reflect on their lives? It’s been extremely surreal, and terribly difficult at times, but I’m glad I continue to take the time to reflect on these issues and how it effects them (and will effect them), let alone how it effects me.
But admittedly, I’m at a point that I just don’t know how to think about certain aspects, especially when it comes to my daughters whom in a matter of years will be entering situations that could imperil their safety and innocents. What do I tell them now? How far should they go? Do I even bother to address it now? If not now, when? Have times really changed much that they should feel empowered with their own strengths not to worry about themselves as much teenage girls once did or should have, or have things become worse for them? I love them dearly. Along with my wife, they encompass my entire world. I would stop the ocean waves for them at any given moment, but I also want them to know how the ocean moves and figure many of life’s lessons on their own as I should.
But what do parents say now? I’m sure there are lots of correct answers, or maybe there aren’t that many correct ones, Christ I don’t really know. Part of this parent thing is there isn’t a manual written on the “right” way to do things, but Jesus, how the hell do I raise my daughters well enough to not get raped? How can I show them with our leadership in Office, in the Legislature, and in the Judiciary, that they will be protected as well as possible?
Sorry for the rant, I’m just terribly bothered right now.