Dear Parent Who Failed,
I would first like to start off by telling you how much you meant to me. You were by "go-to," a friend, someone who helped me with many of my life decisions, but most of all, you were my father. A little girl dreams about growing up with her dad by her side as he watches her change into a beautiful young woman. Somehow selfishness, greed, and lies can mess all that up. Children and young teenagers seem to have this ability to be blinded by someone's fake character and twisted ways. Ultimately, I would like to thank you.
Thank you for finally showing your true colors. I feel foolish for actually believing you cared when all you wanted was to bash the people who had always been there for you.
Thank you for making me realize my worth. It was not until I let go of the terrible relationship with you that I realized I was more than enough. You always made me feel as though I was not good enough, and like I was a burden to have for the weekend. Trust me, I did not like those weekend trips any more than you did.
Thank you for teaching me to stand up for myself. When I still had a relationship with you, I was shy, timid, and seemed to have no opinions of my own. After being lied to, called a liar, degraded, and basically told I was unworthy of anything, I learned to take matters in my own hands. I am quick to tell someone off now in a respectful way, but trust me, I can be just as bad as you. I know my opinions, where I stand, and who I support, and you, sir, are not one of them.
Thank you for giving me hope for the future. Without you in my life, I have become a completely different person. I am happy, outgoing, and I do not feel held down anymore, and that is all because of you. Since you decided you wanted nothing to do with me anymore, I gladly decided to make a change in my life. I am more than happy that you are not a part of it; your negativity is not welcomed.
Thank you for allowing me to grow through my emotions. When I think of what we have been through, a wave of emotions flood over me. I feel anger, sadness, happiness, annoyance, and it is all because of you. I am mad about the way you went about things. You have treated your family like trash, yet you still think of yourself as father of the year. I am sad at the fact a father would even slightly act like this to his own daughter. I am happy with the choice I made about not having you in my life. Your mind games, lies, and lack of love for your family is certainly not something I want to have in my life and be a part of.
Thank you for messing up. Because you messed up, someone who actually loves me and takes care of me has made me a permanent member of his family. The new dad in my life has always been there for me. Yes, we have had our ups and downs, but he is the only father who has actually treated me how a daughter should be treated. He came to my volleyball games, school events, and has treated my brother and I better in the past few years than you ever did.
Lastly, I hope you are happy with the people in your life, and how they have helped you become the negative and bitter man you are today. You have lost so much more than a daughter. I just hope it was all worth it for you. I always forgive, but I never forget. I am not forgiving you for your sake; I am doing it for mine. I have nothing against you anymore, and I hope your life is filled with joy.
Sincerely,
The Daughter You Lost
