My dad and I haven't always had the "typical daddy-daughter relationship." It has definitely been a drawn out process for me, but I have finally accepted the past and forgiven the people that I needed to forgive. If you and your dad are not as close as you wish, hang in there. I know it seems like you will never have a healthy relationship with him, but I promise it will work out if you give it your all. I am using myself as an example to show everyone that it can be done.

First, I want to give just a very brief summary of everything. My parents were high school sweethearts that were in love. They married out of high school and eventually had me. No one ever imagined them splitting, but they did when I was 3 years old. Eventually, they both remarried, and I would visit my daddy on weekends when it was convenient for everyone. Even though I saw him a few times, I never felt a relationship between us. Once I was older and had my own phone and car, I called and visited him more frequently. To me, that was the beginning of our actual relationship.

About two or three years ago, my dad went through a very rough patch in his life, and I became his shoulder to lean on. I knew this was my chance to have that real daddy-daughter bond that I've always dreamed of. We would call or text every single day, and I would drive to see him on most weekends. During these times, we had some deep heart-to-hearts with each other, and he confessed a lot of guilt to me about our past. I thought I had finally accepted everything that has happened in the past, but I recently found out that I had not accepted any of it.

Now, with that being said, I need to confess some things. Daddy went through almost a year of divorce court, and it was finally finished last month. He is in a new relationship that is full of love, and they just recently welcomed a baby boy into the world. It seems like I should be excited for him, but I found a lot of bitterness in my heart. I have dealt with every emotion possible regarding my dad. When he was going through the toughest times, I was the one he reached out to. I was the one that he called when he needed someone to cry to. I was the one he messaged to come over and talk everything out with. I was the one that struggled, cried, worried, and stressed for him. I felt so much pressure on me, and I struggled with it more than I'm willing to admit. I slacked in school because I never slept, but I never told my dad "no" because I longed for us to have that bond.

When he told me that he had a new girlfriend, I wasn't fazed by it, but when the calls from him started dwindling, I was curious and furious. I know it seems selfish of me, but I was so mad. I didn't want my dad to form a bond with someone else because I had just gotten one with him for myself. It broke my heart when I didn't get a call or text from him daily. I had finally experienced something deep with my dad, and now it was just vanishing because of someone else. I was jealous, anxious, mad, and depressed, but I never told anyone. I just walked around like a mean hog trying to find something to root up. When I got the news about the baby, I pitched a good fit. I was so angry with him for selfish reasons. I wanted him all to myself, and no one ever understood that. Every time I tried to say my feelings, I would get fussed at, which made my feelings 10 times worse.

On Easter weekend, my dad and I had a knock-down-drag-out fight. Every thought and emotion that was bottled up inside just exploded out on him. We had a few words that aren't very nice to say on social media, but we put everything out on the table. I have never felt so much relief as I did that day. At that moment, I thought I had ruined any type of relationship I had with my dad, but it was the best thing that could have ever happened to us. Ever since then, we talk a lot through texts and calls. I make frequent trips to see them, and it's always picture-perfect. I have never seen my daddy so happy in my whole life. He has a certain sparkle in his eye now that every daughter wants to see from their dad. It may have taken what felt like eternity, but everything is finally "normal." I am so glad that our past has been rocky because it has led to such an amazing relationship now.

I love you. I have loved you since I was born. I have missed you when I wasn't with you, and I have cherished every moment that I was with you. We have been through so much together, and it has made me a better person in the long run. I don't know if I've ever told you this, but I forgive you. I forgive you for everything. Also, I'm sorry for all the mean things I have ever said to you. I'm sorry for making things more complicated when it should not have been. I love you more than I can explain. It may have taken some time, but I promise to never question your love for me. You are the strongest person I know, and you have made it through so much, and for that, you are my hero. You have taught me so much about life, and I treasure every moment we have had together. Thank you for everything you have done for me, big and small. I am so glad that we are close now, and I wouldn't trade our relationship for anything. I love you, Daddy.

As for everyone else, go hug your daddy and tell him you love him. Some people do not have their dad here anymore, and it could easily be us instead. While you have the chance, share your feelings with him and tell him how you truly feel. I promise you won't regret it.