029 [audio]

[batmanschmatman]

[There's a short pause between the feed clicking on and Dick speaking.]

My parents were murdered when I was eight. I was there when it happened. It was... [He takes a slow breath.] It felt like my whole life was just falling apart and I had no idea what was going to happen or where I was supposed to go or how I was supposed to live without the two most important people in my life.

But I got lucky, because someone was there that night who knew what it was like to have their parents taken away from them. He took me in, gave me a home and support and made life feel like it was worth living again. I know I got lucky. A lot of kids... A lot of kids lose parents and just end up going through foster home after foster home, and if Bruce hadn't been there, that's probably what would have happened to me. I would have been alone and lost, with no idea what I was supposed to do with my life.

Instead, I got a family. They've helped me become the person I am today and I can't thank them enough for it. I've had an amazing life, even if it's not always sunshine and rainbows, and I love my family more then anything.

... I'll always miss my parents. That hurt never goes away, and there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about them and wish I could talk to them just one more time, but I...

[...]

I wouldn't trade what I have now for the world.

[... Oh crap. Didn't mean to say any of that out loud, to everyone. Fuck you, floods. :|]

Comments

[ichoosefight.livejournal.com]

None taken. If you do, just don't call me Stephie. I'd even prefer Blondie. Or 'hey you'.

Also you won't be rid of me that easily. I'm Steph. I'm sticky like glitter.

[feverprophecy.livejournal.com]

well, every dog will have its day, I've heard.
if you come when you're called I guess we'll see.

[ichoosefight.livejournal.com]

Actually I usually come when I'm warned away. It's part of my charm.

[feverprophecy.livejournal.com]

and how has that worked for you in the past —

well, never mind, I think we all know the answer to that.

[ichoosefight.livejournal.com]

It got me where I am today. Which I'm thrilled with, by the way.

We all have our demons. I feel like I beat mine. What about you?

[feverprophecy.livejournal.com]

most people, when sacrificing things to move ahead, try to sacrifice only what belongs to them, not other people's lives.

but I guess if you're special enough, you can forgive yourself anything.

[ichoosefight.livejournal.com]

They aren't my demons. They're my ghosts. And forgiveness has nothing to do with it.

[feverprophecy.livejournal.com]

why then, little miss haunted, welcome to the family.

[ichoosefight.livejournal.com]

Glad I'm not dating Tim anymore, or that would be seriously creepy.

[feverprophecy.livejournal.com]

check that shit at the door; you ain't seen nothing yet.

[ichoosefight.livejournal.com]

Hey now, I'm not above making jokes about the south. We are from New Jersey, right?