Hi FML.  This is Elizabeth, daughter of Bob C, the bone measuring man.  Dad
has asked me not to post using his email again, and I agreed so long as I
could make one last post.
 
This is my last posting to the FML.  When I get my own account at school, I
won't join the FML because I don't like the idea that people would rather
believe rumors than me or dad.  Dad comments on my writing after it is done,
but he never writes it and will only comment on it if I make him.  I like
how my dad writes, and I try to write like him.  He has written for a long
time and when he was a photographer he used to write a how to take pictures
column that was published all over Calif.  He has a couple of file cabinit
drawers full of stuff he has published.  He writes really good, and one of
the things I am always told about him is that they like his writing.  So do
I and I think it is stupid that people think dad writes for me just because
I try to write like him.
 
I am also upset because someone is telling people dad is mentally depressed
and some sort of woman abuser.  I know what I am talking about because I
have read some of the mail sent to dad.  He didn't want me to but I told him
if I had to stop posting at least I could see why for myself.  So he showed
me a few comments from several different FML people, and sure enough, the
rumors were there and I read them for myself.  Well, I live with dad and I
can tell you, he is *not* an abuser and he is not depressed.  When dad
adopted my brother and sister, he went to months of counciling before it
happened because the group that give them to dad wanted to make sure.  Dad
was also required to go to adoption sessions every month and still goes even
tho he is not required to do it.  He writes for an adoption newspaper, and
gives talks for adoptions all over the USA.  Dad does swear when he gets
realy mad, but usually if he is mad, he won't say anything until he cools
off.  I have never in my life seen my dad verbally or emotionally abuse
anybody much less physicaly.  It is a nasty lie and nothing else.
 
If you don't believe me, then mail dad with your phone number and I will
call you collect myself.  But don't believe those nasty rumors or the people
who are spreading them.
 
I also want to say I am sorry for mentioning dad was having some health
problems.  I should not have done it because it makes dad very uncomfortable
and it embarrases him.  Some people have called me or mailed me thinking dad
was in serious trouble and it was hurting me or my brothers and sister.  Dad
has told us exactly what is going on and since he is allergic to himself
each time he has surgery it makes an auto reaction which causes another one.
He just wants to wait was long as possible between each one, thats all.  I
shouldn't have said anything at all about it and I am sorry.
 
Dad made it clear to me that I was not to say anything that might be a
flame.  I won't but please don't believe the rumors.  As for myself, I am
very real.  I've talked to Sukie and Troy, some people from California, and
even Mr. Big on the phone before.  I've visited some FML people when I was
in California, and some in St. Louis and Kansas City.  I was planning to go
to the FML party with dad.  I read almost every issue of the FML, and have
started editing out the good stuff for dad when he is away, so he can keep
up easier.  I have never read anything with my own name on it that I didn't
write.  Anybody who says different is telling a fib.
 
I am very sorry that I am leaving like this but according to the rumors I
read most of the FML will be happy not to read my stories anyway.  Dad is
also very upset, and has even said to me that he might stop posting to the
FML because of it.  I will still get my mail at dads mailbox for the rest of
the summer, and then I will have my own mail when school starts.  Until then
you can write me at dads mail but put "To Elizabeth" at the top so we know
it is for me.  If you want to know where dad is, or how he is feeling, write
me.  Me, my brothers and sister, and my mom are the only people who know in
Missouri or anywhere else for that matter.
 
Good bye.
 
Elizabeth, chiefer pooper picker upper and rumor hater.
[Posted in FML issue 2005]