The Budget of Paradox

Sophia: What are your thoughts on summer camp? I’m talking about a real summer camp out in the wilderness where you spend the night in a cabin. I know your mom likes that second-class “day camp” in Lynchburg. Having only a pool and tie-dye lessons does not a camp make.

In 2012, I paid to send Morey to a summer camp in North Carolina called Green Cove (https://www.greencove.com/). The camp won’t ever advertise with these exact words, but to be blunt, it’s a camp for rich white girls. The camp is expensive, more expensive than most. But they offer horseback riding, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, tennis, archery, pottery, target shooting with real rifles, and overnight paddling trips where the girls build a fire and cook their own dinners riverside. Here’s a video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/474737487.

Morey liked it there. I wanted her to attend year after year, and make friends there. Even though you were very young, I imagined the future when you and Morey could attend together.

I paid for Morey to attend the camp again in 2013. But your mother stole the money and instead sent Morey to the cheap camp in Lynchburg. She claimed she needed the money to buy gas and groceries and pay the rent. But I think your mother was just too lazy to get a job. Both parents should work to support themselves and help pay for their kids. I don’t know why she expected me to work and pay for everything while she had no job and did nothing. The camp money was a special gift for Morey and your mother stole it. I never forgave her for that. You don’t steal from your own children.

The point I’m laboring to make is that you are invited, by me, to attend summer camp at Green Cove. I’ll pay for it. But this time I’ll be sure the money can’t be stolen. You’ll like it there. Your mother will no doubt complain that you need clothes and supplies to attend. I’ll pay for those, too. Then, she’ll complain about transportation; how you’ll get to North Carolina. Some people only try to think of problems. But some people try to think of solutions. Pay attention, and you’ll figure out who’s who. Whatever the problem, I’m sure I can figure it out. I solve problems. That’s what I do.

Anyway, take your time and think about it. Watch the video. Let me know. I’d love to give that gift to you. I want my girls to have nice things and have a nice life. I don’t know why it’s so hard for your mother to believe me.