They Said – (messages from my parents that accompanied me) 

“Stop behaving that way!”  
“Why are you acting like that?”  
“What are you, sick?”  
“What are you, a little baby?”  
“What are you, nuts?”
“Grow up!”  
“Act your age.”  
“Don’t do that.”  
“Stop behaving that way or else.”
“There is no reason for you to feel that way.  None.”  
“Pull in your gut.”
“Your behavior is ridiculous.”
“How can you even say that?”
“How can you even think that?”
“I’m ashamed of you.”
“You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“You are strong, handsome, and intelligent, 
and can be anything you want to be.”