Biologically, you are my father.

However, I do not consider you my dad. I'm writing this letter to thank you for a few things.

First, I want to thank you for not upholding your legal visitation. Instead of going to your house every weekend, my sister and I got to have social lives as children. We went to birthday parties, played in soccer games and went swimming with my family on weekends we should've spent at your house in the middle of nowhere. We were supposed to spend time with you, but it never turned out that way. On the holidays you were supposed to pick us up and didn't, we got to see family from out of town and spend time with our mom. Some of my best childhood memories sprouted from weekends that daddy didn't show up. So, thank you.

I also want to thank you for not pursuing an actual relationship with me. My mother and I are super close, and I think a lot of that has come from the lack of relationship with you. Mom played both roles up until she met my step-dad, so it's only natural that she's my best friend. All the "Donuts for Dads" days that you missed, Mom always made sure someone was there with me, whether it was an uncle, Papa or Great-Grandpa. She held things together as a single mother of three for so long. My relationship with her is stronger than ever. So, thank you.

And last but not least, I want to thank you for being a good dad. Not a good dad to me, but to my little brother that lives with you. I know I unfriended you on Facebook, and I want you to know that I didn't do that out of anger or hatred. I was just tired of seeing you post pictures about how you took him hunting or fishing, or that you were so proud of him moving to the next grade level. I used to wish that that was me, but now I am grateful that you are there for him. He probably needs you more than I did. So continue to take him fishing, teach him to drive his first car, be there for him on Graduation day. Maybe you can do things for him that you missed out on with me.

I want you to know that I don't hate you, and I don't resent you for missing all of the important things I've accomplished through my life. I know that in the end, it is your loss. Now that I am 18, I have no legal attachment to you, so I doubt to ever hear from you again, and that's OK. I've come to terms with you in my heart and I am so blessed to have the people that have helped me overcome my "daddy issues."

I came out stronger without you. So, thank you.