Father,

I want to say thank you. Thank you for leaving me behind. Thank you for making me feel like you did not want me. If it was not for you giving up on me, I do not think I would be where I am today.

Because you left me, I found my strength. I found my faith, and I found out who I am meant to be. With you gone, I learned how to relax, I learned that you were a huge factor in my mental illness. You could never control your illness, so you made life a living hell for those around you.

It has only been a few months since I have cut you out of my life completely, and coming to this decision has not been easy. I can honestly say though, that I am so proud to have my life back in my own hands.

Another lesson I have learned is that I have self-worth and you can never ever ever take that from me again. I know what I deserve. I know the kind of man I need in my life. Thank you for showing me how a real man should treat me. Thank you for showing me to be guarded, and to not trust people easily.

I do not know if you realize the hurt you have caused not only me, but the whole family. I can however say that I am thankful for that too. Pain changes people, sometimes for the worst, but in my case the best.

All I strive to do now is be myself and not be ashamed of it. I plan to live my life the way I want to. You can no longer take that from me. I know that I am not perfect, I know I have a lot left to learn. However, I can tell you that I am so much more than what you think I am. Too bad that you no longer get to watch me grow.

That is your loss, but that is my strength.

So again father, thank you. Thank you for abandoning me. Thank you for showing me that not every girl needs a father. And thank you for showing me that I have the ability to do anything I want in life.

Even if it is without you. I am better, I am stronger, I am me.