My Safety Zone

[Dakota]

Anytime I can change my doll's diaper and clothes without my dad walking in, seeing the diapers, getting mad, and taking away my doll, my computer, my phone, and my TV for no reason other than to be a cold-blooded jerk who won't let me enjoy anything unless he approves is called a Safety Zone.

My dad will not let me spend my money my way, and I buy my doll's diapers with my own money, not his. He simply does not understand me at all. He refuses to acknowledge me as a human being.

[Zerbie]

Dakota,

Do you have a plan to move out of your dad's house so that you can have a safe space of your own? Do you have safe people who can work with you on a plan to move into your own place? You need a home where you can get a safety zone any time you need it.

[Gennee]

Zerbie's right, Dakota. You need your own space.

Gennee

[Dakota]

Thanks for asking. If all goes well with my month-long trial run (July 26th to August 16th), I'll be moving in with my friend Lise and her husband David and living with them until I can get into an assistant-living program for adults with developmental disabilities. Sorry if I've been feeling sorry for myself lately. I guess I've been feeling kind of hopeless. But now that I know when my next trial run will be, I am very excited and full of hope about my future. And best of all, so I won't feel in danger anymore (although I am saddened to have to do this), I'm going to leave my doll at Dave and Lise's house when I come home. I'll miss her, but at least I'll know she won't be taken away from me, and I'll no longer have to hide diapers and other baby things from my dad here at home. Dakota-Rhiannon McKenna (that's my doll's name) and her things will finally be safe.

[BruceChris]

I hope that your trial with your friends works out, and I hope you find a place to love that makes you happy.

Your Friend, Bruce Chris

[Dakota]

Thanks, BruceChris! I think you're a nice guy and a caring person, too. I can tell you're a great friend, too!