Sam and Emma: A Love Story in Emails - 15 - Sam Tells Emma She Has to Fight Back and that Changes will Have to Start with Her

From: Sam T

To; Emma Landuer

February 19, 2006

My Dearest Emma,

You don't have to worry that I will stop writing you. I will keep the promises I have made to you.

I reread my last email to you. I got the sense that I wasn't the best friend I could be to you. After you told me about your work situation, I responded in a very emotional way. It maybe made you feel better, but it probably didn't help you very much to figure out how to deal with your new situation.

So after giving this a considerable amount of thought, I have this to say. Ultimately, it does not matter what other people say to you or do to you. What matters is how you choose to deal with what they are saying or doing to you. You spend all your time, dodging and weaving... trying to duck the blows that are coming in to hit you. You don't say anything in your own defense. You don't fight back. You don't make those who would hurt you or try to control you pay a price for what they are trying to do to you.

I know that when you set your mind to accomplish something, you find strength inside you to sort things out and to do what it takes to get what you want. I guess it follows that you need to know what you want also, but that is for another email. Unless you start fighting back and start reclaiming your life as your own, some people will continue to manipulate you and to control what you do. It starts with you, not with them. They are not going to change, but you can. But that is something you are going to have to do for yourself. I cannot do that for you. Nor can your parents or your friends. Only you.

Please think about what I have said here. Maybe something that I said will make some difference in the outcome.

I worry about you. Take care of yourself, kiddo.

Much love,

Sam

To be continued...