Dear parents,

I only have one thing to thank you for, and that's the extended family I received from being your daughter. You guys gave me some pretty amazing Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles. I have people who will always be here for me, through anything, so why won't you?

Sometimes I catch myself wondering why you walked away, why you gave up on being a parent. The last time I looked there wasn't an "Opt out" button to parenthood, yet, you pushed it anyway. You gave me life and left me to try and figure it out on my own, not noticing the special moments in my life like other parents did for their children. You didn't support me or cherish the love I gave you, but is it a bad thing?

Whenever I feel down about not being in contact with you, I remember that you turning away was one of the best things that happened to me. I have the chance to break free from your ways and your past, I get to start new. Take the mistakes of your past and turn them into life lessons of my own. I will stop the "normal" in our bloodline and make a newer, brighter, and healthier path for future generations. I can be the start to something new for our family. I can be the first to do things that haven't been done, and not having you here showed me I have the strength to do that.

Yes, I will always care about you, wonder about you, and love you but I'm so much stronger without you tearing me down. I don't have that weight on my shoulders to make sure I take care of you, the weight that made me your parent. What's wrong with that picture?

I'm so much stronger than I ever thought I could be. You showed me what kind of parent I shouldn't be, and my grandparents showed me the type I should be. You turning away made so many things possible for me. I have a chance in this life. I may not ever know the reason why you left, and I may not be in contact with you ever again, but I will always continue to pray for your heart.

Since you've left, I have done many things that weren't possible when under your care. Your parents give me the love I deserve, the love I always craved from you. I'm so much better off now, so through everything, thank you for leaving. I now have a better life ahead.

I missed out on Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and your birthdays. You didn't get to watch me graduate, and you won't get to see me get married, but in the end, I need to remember it's your fault, not mine. I didn't do anything wrong, you're the one that turned away, all I wanted to do was live my life and receive your love.

Love,

The daughter you turned away.