To The Dad Who Taught Me What Familial Love Isn’t, Thank You

I bet you’re expecting a letter filled with hate and blame, but that’s not what this is. This is actually me thanking you. I bet you’re confused. What on earth could I possibly be thanking the father who was never really there for me for? Well here it is.

First I want to thank you for something very important. Thank you for showing me what kind of parent I never want to be. The (short) time you were in my life I learned a lot from you. I learned what kind of parent I want to be one day. I’m grateful that I learned this at such a young age because now I know exactly what I shouldn’t be. I’m prepared to never let my children be treated the way I was. My children will be treated with respect and they will be given love and support all because of you, so thank you for that.

Secondly I want to thank you for showing me the kind of man I never want to marry. Watching how my mother was treated and experiencing your treatment towards me was an eye opener. It allowed me to realize exactly how my husband shouldn’t treat me and my kids. Not only that, but because of you I also learned at a young age what kind of man I want to be with. You showed me how I should NEVER be treated and I now know that I deserve an endless amount of love and respect.

Finally, I’m thanking you for the biggest thing in my life, for making me who I am today. Yes, that’s right, I am who I am today because of YOU. Because of you, I drove myself to be the person you weren’t. I strive for excellence all because of the short impact you had on my life. I know exactly who I don’t want to be and it’s all thanks to you. Because of you, I am a strong woman of accomplishments and pride. I promised myself that I would never be the kind of parent you were so now; I’m reaching for the stars. I’m taking the experience I had and I’m using it to push my life up. So no, I don’t hate you. I’m thankful for you. I’m thankful that I could take the negative impact you had on my life and turn it into something amazing. Thank you for making me so strong.