Thank You

On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 3:32 PM, ******* wrote:

Hey Marianna,

This is ***** from the Good Dick screening at ***** last night. Thank you so much for taking time and promoting such an amazing and true to life film. The way you portrayed your character was so inspiring and I really connected with her. I appreciate your approach to this issue with the aftermath and healing, no one really thinks about how abuse affects people, children especially. Until this summer I had not told anyone what my step-dad had done to me. The only "best friend" I had had turned her back on me, my biological father has never really been a part of my life, and my mother was always working two and three jobs to support us. I always thought that there was something wrong with me, a reason no one wanted to be around me or have any sort of relationship with me. My step-dad's words of my worthlessness never left my mind. But this last year I met my now best friends and even though I was stand offish at first they stuck by me and when I started getting nightmares of my memories again and not sleeping they took notice and never left me. I told them what happened, 10 years of abuse until my step-dad and mom got a divorce. I thought they were going to leave me like everyone else because of this horrible thing, but they didn't, they are the best friends I could ever have and the connection with your film was incredible. Just the concept of not giving up on someone even though they push you away, that they need help and are hiding something in fear. In these last few months I have greatly improved with sleep and condition with the support of people who love me. Good Dick has lit a fire in my willpower and determination to keep moving forward to work through this tragedy. Thank you so much for your vision and not being afraid to hit this head on, without watering it down or beating around the bush. You are amazing! :)

****


-----Original Message-----
From: Marianna Palka <********>
To: ******
Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2009 7:59 pm
Subject: Re: Thank You.

Dear *****,

Thank you so much from very the bottom of my heart for this email. Thank you for coming to see the film and for being so brave after wards to come up and to talk to me. I was so struck by your beauty then, and when you started speaking it was like I was listening to an angel.

I was so moved by your loving face and sheer gorgeousness that I really can't explain to you how much it means to me, except to say how proud I am of you, and how well you are doing. To be doing so well and excelling at loving yourself and life is something that is tough for people who have had less to deal with than you have. The fact that you can excel like you are excelling is awesome, and a miracle, but also not surprising. You are a beautiful loving brave strong miracle. Miracles happen everyday and it is perfect that you are creating miracles everyday over there at school in ******. I know from the deepest part of me that you are the entire reason that Jason and I came to ******. You are the entire reason the film was made in fact. You are why I made this film. It was for you, respecting you and your mega talents at being alive and truly living and enjoying yourself in every moment, in everyday. You are my hero. Thank you so much again.

Love Marianna x.

P.S. I would love to remove your name from your email and put your words on the Good Dick website. Many people who have been affected by the film visit the site and would be inspired and really enabled by your articulate and profound email. I understand of course if that wouldn't suit you. But I wanted to ask, just in case, as I know how much it would make others feel like they are not alone, which I think is really the first step in the healing process. It is not something you should feel like you have to say yes too. If the answer is no, I totally 100% understand.



From:  *******
Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Subject: Re: Thank You.
To: *******


Dear Marianna,

All I can really say is thank you. You are such a talented person I stand in awe and for you to see me in that light makes me uncontrollably glow with joy. I'm so happy my friends and I went to see Good Dick for our Fun Tuesday, and that I did finally build up the courage to talk to you after, I had to let you know how in love with your representation I am.

I agree that others need to know they are not alone, it took me a long time to realize that. I would be honored if you told my story to help others heal. The best thing I can do with my experiences is use them to better the process for others, it's great that you are willing and able to accomplish that.

Love *****