I will never forget the time I was 6-years-old and on the brink of death from appendicitis. When I was scared and afraid of what the doctor was going to do, the first person I wanted was my father. You were the first man in my life that I hoped would teach and guide me in this world, but you and I didn't have the same plan in mind.

I will never forget the field trips where the whole 5th grade class went camping and everyone else had their father alongside of them. It was cold out, but I felt even colder from the loneliness that I felt knowing that the other boy's had someone by their side that was always there for him.

I will never forget, the constant bullying I endured in middle school and I needed you. I needed you. I didn't know what to do or how to protect myself. And eventually, I learned that this journey to manhood wasn't going to be an easy one. Of course, I had my mother, grandfather and a few other male figures to help me, but there's only so much they can do. It's something about having a father that a boy needs in order to feel like he has all the tools to take on the world. But better yet, I am your blood.

I will never forget the missed performances, ceremonies, graduations, and dinners when all I wanted was for you to be there.

I could never understand how someone can just leave their creation out for the wolves to eat. So when you left, I didn't know if I could ever accept another man in my life, it damaged a trust that has taken years to fix.

I'm 21 now, and you've missed out on some of the most beautiful moments I have experienced, but at the end of the day it's simply your loss. I am stronger now because of it.

It's been a long journey of finding my purpose in this world and from your failure to be in my life I have made a promise to myself and my future child, I will never leave them and most certainly never make them feel the way you made me feel.