Dear Middle,

I like your heart and I agree with you completely. You are very strong and I hope this support from the outside helps you be even stronger. Since you already know what you want and need to do, I’m just going to shore you up.

I agree you do not throw people away… especially your child’s father because he is not in the best shape today. Today is not tomorrow or next week or next year. And that is his son. He is the father and you are the mother, so everyone else is just going to have to deal.

Your family is going to have to accept and comprehend the fact you are an adult now, and you will run your life according to your innards. You don’t need to be disrespectful though. ‘I appreciate your input, but I have decided to do a, b and c…” And then do it. They’ll adjust. Same with the boyfriend.

Now I understand why and how this is dicey. You’re from a machismo culture and I am sure your new man wants to be rid of all remnants of your old man. He’s the new King. He’s the new rooster. And I forgive him this, to an extent, okay? Because I like machismo-type men, but also because he does not have children, so he is naÆ’