Dear mother,
The last time you saw me I had a backpack slung over my shoulder, ready for a seventh grade school day. You didn’t know I’d never see you again, but I did. Still, I didn’t say goodbye.
Though I felt anything but thankful then, I’d like to acknowledge your role in making me the resilient advocate I am today. Specifically, because of you, I’ve learned to be a supportive sister to Josh. You were always frustrated to violence by his autism spectrum disorder, which pushed me to defend him more strongly than I would myself. And instead of taking revenge, I learned to seek justice, telling Josh how much I loved him and affirming his immeasurable value. This is why I’m determined to uplift others, empowering women, Asian Americans, and queer people to rise against discrimination.
With time, I’ve also come to empathize with your own struggles. I know you suffered an abusive upbringing, continuing a cycle you weren’t strong enough to break. I know—deep down—you must have wanted to. I’m determined to be the person who will. 
With love,
your daughter