This is a letter to the father who walked out of my life. I have never really told you how I felt. I want you to know that it's you who missed out. It is you who will continue to miss out. I have come to realize this over the years.

I have come to terms with the fact that you could never be the kind of father that I would want to take part in my life. If you wanted to be a part of my life, you would make the effort...but you haven’t. I have stopped putting in any effort, because trying to salvage a relationship with someone who didn't want it in the first place is a waste of time and energy.

I know that in the big moments of my life, it will probably hit me harder that you aren't here. But I have also made the decision that I won't include you in the bigger moments of my life, because you haven't put effort into the small moments. You don’t deserve to be able play the part of a parent who cares in a huge moment of my life, when you couldn't even be bothered to ask me something as simple as how school was going.

I have been in college for two years, and you have not called or texted me once. In another two years, I will graduate from college and you will not be invited to celebrate. Eventually, I will find a man who I want to spend the rest of my life with, and it will not be you who walks me down the aisle.

I want to thank you for setting the bar so low. I will rise above it victoriously. Thank you for helping me see the qualities that I would never want in a husband, and helping me to realize that the only one I can rely on to call my Father is God.

I want you to know that your actions had consequences, and my brother and I are worth more than you have ever shown us.

The last thing that I want you to know is that I forgive you. Although you have let me down more times than I can count, I still love you. I hope that one day you will realize what you missed out on.

To all of the people who have had a parent walk out, I hope you know that it is their loss. I hope you will become strong and victorious, despite your struggles, because you are worth it.