Over the past three months or so, I’ve sent several messages to my father via facebook (sadly, it’s the only way we can keep in touch) but haven’t gotten a response. I sent another message on the 17th to say happy St. Patrick’s day, and just finally got a reply this morning. I was rather taken aback by what he had to say, and I figured this would be the perfect place to share…

gonna get weed is not a very good thing to post ….im a little disappointed in that,all the steps you were taking to better yourself seems like you went back to the old ways , i hope you can understand this, i feel we are a little closer and hope this wont piss you off on what im saying i want to see you move foward and have something betterthen to stay in a rut … well anyway sorry its taken me a while to respond i was just thinking how to put it all so you wouldnt get offended love you and talk soon

- dad

My father’s entire side of the family used to make any holiday or birthday an occasion to all get together and smoke weed. I can’t imagine why he’s disappointed in me… I replied with the following:

you don’t have to worry about offending me – it takes quite a lot to do so. we’re both adults and we should be able to talk things out. also, you’re my father – i’d like to think i can talk to you about anything.

i’m sorry you’re disappointed, but that’s not going to change that i smoke pot. I’m still taking steps to better myself; there’s no reason to think that i’ve stopped. i’m self-employed, i’m getting my license soon, saving money to get out of my mom’s house, the right way and for good this time, i have amazing friends and a great boyfriend (though you may not approve). i’m finally happy, for the first time since i can remember.

people that smoke pot can still be successful. instead of getting upset about it, you should ask _why_ i smoke. it’s not to get high and it’s not for recreation! i smoke because of my anxiety and the constant pain in my back. it’s medically proven to help both, and without insurance it’s hard to get any other kind of medicine to help me.

there are 13 states in the US that have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana – new york could be the next. would you still be disappointed if i had a prescription to smoke it?

I haven’t gotten a response yet, but I can’t imagine it will be anything pleasant. Although it sucks to have disappointed my father after just getting him back in my life after 18 years without him, I am extremely proud of myself to have stood up to him and defended myself and my beliefs.