As I sit here writing this, I can still feel the pain of the scars my father has cut so deep into me. And although these scars are not visible like those of a knife, they hurt just the same.
Father’s Day never ceases to bring out some sadness within me, no matter how hard I try to fight it. I do my best to think about all of the wonderful people who have come into my life and have been there for me as a father figure, but I can’t help but feel a piece of emptiness inside me on this day. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what that emptiness is. I don’t really miss my father, but I do miss the man I thought and hoped he was and would be. I miss the love I see in my friends’ father’s eyes as they look at their beautiful children and what they have grown up to be. I miss the proud parent boasting when I would accomplish something he knew I was working hard at. I miss falling into those strong, warm arms, knowing he will always be there for me no matter what.
Although I still have that void in my life, there are countless individuals who have helped to fill that void and heal those scars from the lost relationship between my father and me. It’s because of this that I wanted to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful people in my life who have been there for me as a father figure, support system, helping hand, and much, much more. Despite my poor relationship with my father, I have been blessed with countless people who are looking out for me. We may not talk every day, every month or even every year, but I know you’re there for me and words cannot explain how grateful I am. Whether you’ve been a shoulder for me to cry on, support through a hard time, or just someone there who loves me, I thank you.
Although I was not blessed with two loving and supportive parents, I have been lucky enough to have a mother who loves, supports, and cares for me more than two parents combined ever could. I have been lucky enough to have had a father figure in my life through my adolescence who I know is there for me through thick and thin. I have been lucky enough to have a supportive, protective, and loving older brother who sometimes likes to think he’s my father. I have been lucky enough to have my boyfriend and his family take me in as their own and love and support me in everything I do. I have been lucky enough to have many cheerleaders throughout my 20 years, and I am forever grateful. Happy Father’s Day to all those who have helped me grow into the strong and independent young woman that I am. Your support and love do not go unnoticed.
It’s on days like these that we need to take a moment and thank everyone in our lives who has contributed to our successes, happiness, and who we are today. Thank you.
