I never thought the life I have now was ever possible, especially when I was a little kid. I remember I would always dream of going to college, living in a dorm, and finally having a life outside of my family and hometown. In all honesty, I didn’t think I would make it this far in life because when you’re a kid, being old enough to live on your own just seems like it’s thirty years down the road, but then I hit milestones.

I went to high school. I got my permit, quickly followed by my license. I made it past that writing test my junior year. You know, the one everyone liked to rave about because it could make or break you, but in reality... it was probably the easiest life-altering exam I have ever taken. So, thank you, high school teachers for scaring my entire class with that. During junior year, I also took the SAT and ACT tests—tests we all thought would determine our future. They do, but they don’t. Senior year came around, and I had to make all these big decisions about my impending future. I future I would have no idea of knowing. I had to say goodbye to friends I thought I would go to college with. That dream of going to college finally appeared.

I was actually going, and not because someone was making all the decisions for me or telling me where to go. I did it for myself which is an accomplishment in itself considering I hate making decisions that will determine my future. Who does though?

Yes, I did most of the difficult things by myself, but I probably wouldn’t have done any of it without the support system I finally had.

My mother and father weren’t always around. I mean they were there every day, but that didn’t mean they were mentally and emotionally there for me.

One day about two years ago my father decided to get sober, and it stuck. He didn’t relapse this time, and he finally became a father I could be proud of. Our relationship was on even footing which I never thought could be fixable. My mother was and still is a mess, but I have a dad who cares - and I think that’s all I have ever needed. Just someone who would get sober enough to try and mend an unfixable relationship that wasn’t so broken after all.

We started talking, something we never did. We started spending time together. I always knew I was the spitting image of my father, looks and personality wise, but I never saw it or I unconsciously decided I didn’t want to see it. However, with him sober I can see how similar we are. I didn’t just inherit his green eyes and face. We have the same sense of humor, and he listens to me when I rant about ozone destruction or the new reason I have boycotted zoos.

That’s something I never thought I needed, but I do. I love him for it. He’s the dad I’ve always wanted, and I’m proud to have him. I might not have always had what I should have had when I was little, but I have it now and I wouldn’t change how it all turned out because I love the life I have now. I love my family the way I should.

I don’t think I would have made it this far without him being there for me when I needed it the most. He made it possible for me to live out my dream. He made me realize I was worth something—that I’m worthy being heard. So, thank you Dad, for loving me when I thought I didn’t need it because I did. I always will, and I know I'll forever get that from you.