“Maggie showed me that it was okay to be vulnerable. ” - By Anon

I owe a lot to Maggie Sawyer and Sanvers. 

I’ve always been guarded. For all the outward confidence I have, it seemed like every time I let someone get too close I’d end up hurt, let down, or I’d let my fear of rejection get in the way - especially when it came to relationships. 

I saw a lot of myself in Maggie as I watched her relationship with Alex progress. When it was revealed that Maggie was kicked out of her home by her father at 14 she became even more relatable. I felt a need to protect her because I was rejected by my father as well. 

Our situations aren’t quite the same but my father abandoned me when I was 3 years old. I barely have any memories of him but I’ve always remembered how that trauma has made me feel. The fact that he’s never attempted to contact me or provide any support, monetary or otherwise, while growing up made me feel even worse. We lived in the same city and he even saw my mom and I out in public and avoided us.

I’ve struggled with feelings of being unwanted most of my life because I must have done something wrong to be treated this way. My father’s rejection has been the main contributor to my trust issues. Through Maggie’s relationship with Alex I saw her work through the trauma caused by her father, learn not to shutdown her feelings and even trust that others could care about you without hidden agendas. Maggie showed me that it was okay to be vulnerable. 

Maggie confronting her father was a cathartic moment for me. Not only did she put into words exactly what I wish I could tell my father but her courage gave me strength to do something I had been avoiding for a while - starting therapy. 

Had Maggie Sawyer and Sanvers not come into my life I’m pretty sure I would still be struggling with knowing my self worth. Maggie telling her father “I’m already good” is a quote that I now live by. It gives me hope that I can continue to heal with the help of therapy and the people in my life who do value and cherish me. I‘m not alone and for the first time in a long time I can truly say I feel relieved.