To the little girls who are growing up without a Daddy,

I can promise you that you are indeed better off without a dad. Instead of two parents to handle the responsibilities within the home you’ll get one amazing mom who is able to work a full-time job while judging you and your brother. You will also gain some wisdom and maturity.

You’ll hate yourself and place the blame on your mom because that’s the easiest way to make sense of it all. When in reality, you don’t know the truth behind why your mom decided not to be with him. Just know that it was for the better. You may realize that when you get a little older.

When you reach 2nd grade, it will be hard when no one but grandma shows up to your dance show because your mom has to work. You’ll look into the crowd to see all of the other kid's mommies and daddies and you’ll be sad. A lot of questions will cloud your mind and those feelings never really change until you become older. It’s going to hurt and that weight is going to sit on your heart.

Dating will be much harder for you because your trust was broken by a man who was always supposed to love you. Your dedication to be better than your parent's relationship will make it worth while because you will want a healthy loving relationship. I can promise you that waiting will be the best thing that you can do for yourself because you deserve more.

Over the years, the relationship with your mom is going to be rocky. The two of you will scream at each other and call each other names. You will go to college, she will drop you off and you will both cry. You’ll realize that you’ve made it to a point in your life where you did it. Your dad was never there, your mom was your backbone and will always be there for you. She has loved you since you came into this world and will always try to protect you.

I get sad from time to time, especially when I’m alone. I can always feel the heavy weight on my heart. Knowing that I am a strong independent woman pushes me to look past it all. I made it here on my own with my mom’s support. I have surpassed all expectations of failure and I can do what I want to do. I am the one who is in charge of my own life. That satisfaction is something that your dad can never take away from you, ever.

I may not have a nuclear family, but I've come to realize that it’s special people in your life who love and care for you that become your true family. Not all dads are good in this world and that’s completely okay because as I’ve said, you will be much better off. This struggle does not define you, it will push you in the right direction.