Dear Daddy,

The purpose of writing this email is not to trigger an argument with you. I just want you to understand how I look at things from my point of view, as a daughter and as a young adult.

Firstly, I understand your concerns over the overseas trip I proposed. I know that mum and you would be worried. And that I am your only daughter, if anything happens to me, you would be devastated. But, sometimes, I think you have to accept the fact that I am growing older, whether you like it or not. As much as I try not to make you and mum worried, I do need my space and freedom. In my 20 years, I never stayed overnight away from home, over at a friend's place or done anything outrageous or anything that would cause either of you excessively worried about me. Even when I want something, I would work hard to get it myself. I do not ask for anything more than my weekly allowance. So to be honest, I think you brought me up as a responsible, independent and resilient lady. Thus, I do not understand why you would be excessively worried about the overseas trip. And that maybe you should have more trust and faith in me in doing the right thing.

Maybe, you have forgotten how it is like to be young.

Times have changed Daddy, I do not think it is reasonable for you to say that you do not allow me to go because I have yet to be married just cause I am a girl and I cannot travel overseas without parental supervision. Actually, in my opinion, I think that is just a bad excuse.

I know that you are under a lot of stress because you have yet to find a job. And that your savings are dwindling away. You do not think that I should have any unnecessary expenses and give you unnecessary stress. But, I would be paying for my own trip. I toiled for these money Daddy, and all I have spent them on is on school fees and school books. Do you think you can just let me go and enjoy myself for 3 days?

As your daughter, I understand your concerns and constrains because you told me today. But you did not want to listen to what I had to say and I think as I grow older, I want to be heard. If you want me to understand things from your perspective, sometimes you should too, from mine.

Lastly, I just want to remind you that when I was young, you told me to treat you and talk to you as a friend to be open about everything. I think it works both ways. And I think I know why children lie to their parents. I think it is because parents are often unsupportive of their children's actions and shut off all forms of communications about the action because they do not want to hear anymore of it. Think of it this way, if you do not accept the fact that I have a boyfriend, you would not be able to find out what kind of person I spend my time with. Simply because I would not be able to talk to you about him. So, I think it works quite the same way.

Like I said, I do not wish to enter into an argument with you. I just want to let you know how I feel about things and of course hope that you would change your mind about your decision.

I know you love me daddy, and I do too. But, I am growing older. I can fend for myself. You do not have to be so protective towards me.

Thats all I have to say.

Oh and. Do not give up in looking for a job, persevere. Good things come to the people that work hard for it!

The past few months working at the airport has made me realised that life can be so carefree and simple if one is contented with what they have.

Despite the long hours and the lack of intellectual challenge (hm. to a certain extend, that is not true), I actually find working at the airport enjoyable. Of course, a huge part of it has to be credited to my co-workers for making my day.

I finally understand how important it is to feel contented with what one has instead of comparing or grumbling about what one do not have. With my father's forced retirement last year I understood the importance of money. And under immense pressure and stress at home, I was convinced that I would never be contented if I were not rich in the future. At a point of time, I even admitted to Cassandra that I would rather have rich people problems than poor people problems. I do not know if I am to be ashamed of myself.

However at church yesterday, the pastor asked us what are we going to bring to God in heaven. The pastor hoped that we would not bring money because heaven has no currency. And that is when I realised, it is what we do that define who we are and not how much money we make or what we wear. A foolish pursuit of money is not what I want out of my life. Frankly speaking, neither is a fancy degree.

I am a simple girl, all I want is to be happy. And being contented is en route to being happy. So maybe if I am contented with all that I have now instead of always wanting more, I would be less of a miserable person.

:))

I apologise if you think my ideas are all over the place. I have not written in a long time and it is evident in my writing as the ideas do not flow even to me.