Estabr2_Laur(AT)Bentley.edu
(for Laura)
Michael Estabrook
Even though you’re only down the road I still miss you like you were 300 miles away. We really like the weekends and having you around, you’re growing into such a beautiful young lady. I’m sorry you’re having adjustment troubles at college, although what you’re going through is perfectly normal. I mean going away from home for the first time is not easy, but you’ll get through it OK I know you will. Everybody leaves home at some time, some go far away and never come back, while others move next-door. Obviously Mom and I want you to be near-by always, but if life takes you further from us, well, we’ll just have to come and visit a whole bunch of times. Anyway, just want you to know that I feel for your pain at being away and trying to find yourself. Bentley may not be the place for you, but probably it is too soon to determine that for certain. The thing to keep in mind is that things change so quickly; you may feel uncomfortable now but who knows what could change that completely at any moment. So, I guess the Dad lecture would be to hang-in there and let the Fates have at it. We don’t want your college experience to be an unhappy one; if at the end of your first semester things are still yukky, well, we’ll weigh our options and set another course. So, don’t worry about anything, just study hard, I mean that’s why you’re there you know to study, all the other stuff - roommates, cafeteria food, uncomfortable beds - are nothing compared to learning; learning is the most critical thing you can do; bury yourself in your learning, it’ll help you cope, it’ll help the time pass, it’ll make you stronger, trust me. We are waiting for you to realize that you are your own special unique and very valuable person, that you have likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, ups and downs; you need to have confidence in your own mind and judgments (like we do), you’re smart and honest and have integrity, loyalty, courage and interest in life; you need to recognize these qualities and have faith in yourself; if you don’t want to go to a dance or pledge a sorority, well don’t; you don’t have to, and you don’t need to explain why or why not to anyone else, not even to us; the only person you have to please is yourself. Well, anyway, hang-in there, and for pity’s sake, don’t take it all so seriously, try to have a little fun with it. Love as always, Dad.
