A Letter to Dad from a child, about chewing tobacco use and quitting.
Dear Dad,
I know that you put that stuff in your mouth. Even though you try to hide it from me, or think that I don’t know what it is. I know. I see that little lump in your lip, that can in your pocket and when you spit. I see everything Dad, and I am always watching and learning from you.
Every time I think about it I feel like crying, I feel like I am going to loose you. You mean more than anything to me in the world. You take care of me, and protect me. I know that stuff can kill you, I learned about it in school and on the TV. I know that it can take you away from me.
I am scared. I don’t say anything because I don’t want to make you mad. I know how you get when you can’t have your stuff.
If something happens to you, I will feel like it is my fault because I didn’t say anything. And on the other hand, I am terrified that if I do speak up and you don’t quit, I will always know that you chose your stuff over me.
I don’t understand why you would do something that you know will kill you. What if I need you around when I am older? Why would you continue to willingly kill yourself? Why would you choose that stuff over being with me? What would happen to me if that stuff killed you? Don’t you want to see me graduate? Grow up? Don’t you want to see me get married? Meet your grandchildren?
I know that you can beat this addiction Dad, you are the strongest person that I know. But you don’t even try.
I love you. I need you around here, and I can’t loose you. I know you will do the right thing. I know you will do your best to quit dipping.
– Anonymous
