I don't know how it happened for you. I don't know if he left with all of his belongings one summer night. I don't know if he passed away in a car accident on his way to the office. I don't know if it's been you and your mother, or you and a guardian for your whole life. What I do know is, you are strong.
Your story has been different than most little girls
We've all seen the little girl in the park playing with her dad. He pushes her on the metal swings and chases her around the open field while she giggles uncontrollably. You have felt that pang in your chest. The pang that reminds you that this scene isn't out of your story. You have dealt with the outlandish feelings of explaining why your father isn't in the picture. It takes bravery to admit that our lives aren't perfect. By being open and vulnerable with the truth of your story, you have been able to open up with ways you never thought possible. Others see your openness and honesty as beautiful because most cannot live like this. They see you are strong.
You really needed him
You've been on the floor crying from a stupid, snot-nosed boy breaking your heart. All you can think is that if your dad was there, he would joke about beating the kid up. My dad would have tickled me until I couldn't hold back, and I would bust open with laughter. This is one of the many reasons we love dads. They are the steady rock that holds their family and daughter's hearts together. In your story, you are the rock and you're doing a kick-ass job of holding it together.
You thought you were all alone
You have had others to hold you together: moms, step-dads, grandmas, grandpas, friends and siblings. You have made awesome relationships with people that can comfort you just as your dad would. Your eyes have been opened to others. You are strong.
Your story is still just as meaningful
I want you to remember that you are just as important. Maybe you haven't had a protective father figure looking after you. Maybe you've been on your own. You have been independent since you could remember. You have lived through your struggling and realized how significant life is. You are strong.
You may doubt your ability to love
You may believe that you are unlovable. You may not believe in true love because you saw the kind of man that hurt your mother. You may believe you are too damaged to be saved. You will find a man that will cherish you for all that you have. He will accept your story, however different it may be. He will love you unconditionally. He will plan a future with you and your possible children. And because of your past, he will know how to help you pick up the pieces and move past it. You are strong.
You are strong
You are unbelievably, wonderfully made. You have dealt with harder trials than most will ever know. Your life has so much meaning because you have seen how fast happiness can be ripped away. Live your life to the fullest with the people that comfort and support you. You will do big things for your career. You will travel the world, and see the Mayan Ruins, or the canals in Italy. You can accomplish anything you set your sights on. You are strong and you can handle whatever life throws at you - with a smile on your face because of it.
Matthew 23:9
"And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven."
