Father-Daughter Relationship

The strongest, and most dramatic, ever changing relationships in this book is that of Rex and Jeannette Walls. In the beginning of Jeannette's life, her dad was practically her whole world. She believed that her dad would follow through on all of his plans, and had 110% hope in him. While Lori and Brian knew their father had let them down and failed to keep promises, getting drunk instead of working, Jeannette believed he was working on projects to help make them rich. When the kids moved to Welch, that is when the relationship gets a little shaky. Jeannette constantly tells herself that she can't give up on her father, because she is the only person who still believes in him. As Jeannette grows up in Welch, the relationship changes. As soon as Rex hits Jeannette with a belt, as she says, he knew he would lose her. But we learn she is still his biggest supporter. We really see how much Rex loves his daughter when he takes her to the bus station that will take her to New York. It is obvious throughout the story that Jeannette is Rex's favorite child. From being in the hospital at 3 years old, to when she was visiting him in the hospital, from when he died. Rex was also proud of his daughter for going to college and being who she was. The relationship between Rex Walls, father, and Jeannette Walls, daughter, was the strongest, ever changing relationship, aside from that of Brian and Jeannette, in the book. It showed just how much they loved and cared for one another.