The day my parents got a divorce and I wasn’t allowed to see my “dad” anymore was honestly the best day of my life. My “father” figure decided to become an alcoholic instead of being a father to his three girls and a husband to his wife. But now, being who I am today, I’ve realized he is the person he is today – whoever may that be – because he wanted to be that way. I am the person I am today because of everything he put my family and me through, and that’s okay with me!
I asked you to play Barbies with me
You were sleeping off your hangover
I was excited to see you after your road trip for work
You had to leave and run to the “store,” but you actually went to the bar
I wanted to get my mom a Christmas present
You left my older sister and me in the car for almost an hour while you got drunk
You said you were getting help at AA meetings
You lied.
I just wanted you to be at home with us
I didn’t see you in days – which turned into weeks – which turned into months…
I was a fifth grader who was depressed
I didn’t want to get out of bed
I was afraid of every guy I met
I met my best friend; we were friends for eight years
I realized I didn’t need you; I never needed you
My parents got divorced, and I never had to see you again
I laughed when you were put in jail during the divorce
Now, I seek the joy in every day and everyone
I graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA
I studied abroad and learned to be on my own
I overcame my fear of guys
I have a boyfriend whom I love
I wake up with a purpose
I am okay with just having a mom – I’m not missing out on anything
I realized who I am and make my own happiness – I laugh all the time
I am free!
I hit my rock bottom at a very young age, but now, I am living my life to the fullest and smiling every day. I do have low days, and I know I will have them in the future as well. But that’s just life, and life is complicated no matter who you are!
This is not the whole story of my past with my so called “dad,” but there’s no need to say “sorry” or “my heart goes out to you,” because I don’t feel bad at all. Yes, it was a tough time, but if I hadn’t gone through what my family sadly went through then, I wouldn’t be the strong, tough, kind-hearted woman I am today!
Every story is different, and times will get tough because that’s just how life goes – but the outcome is what’s worth the ride!