Dear Daddy Dearest. 

It feels odd that I call you that. 

You are not dear. At least to me. 

Nor do I feel I should call you "Daddy." 

Or "Dad." Or "Father." Or "Papa." Or Whatever. 

You never did what a father should. 

You never tucked me into bed at night. 

You never taught me how to ride a bike. 

You never helped me with my homework. 

You never came to my recitals. 

You never gave me a purity ring. 

You never encouraged me to take risks. 

You never told me that you loved me sincerely. 

You never held me in high esteem. 

You never were proud of me and my accomplishments.

Instead, you came home from work and drank. 

And played video games. 

And watched sports and yelled at the television. 

And then you yelled at me over my small mistakes. 

And then, one day, you left me and Mom. 

I was kind of glad you did. 

When I figured out you didn't like me, 

I saw no reason to continue liking you. 

Mom said you had left me long before that day. 

Long before I had even left her womb. 

I suppose she was right. 

But I also suppose I should thank you. 

Because even if you didn't teach me how to ride a bike, 

Or how to change a tire, or how to drive, 

Or what I need to do to impress people,

Or how to protect myself from vicious people, 

You still taught me something. 

You taught me that some people can't be bothered 

To love their very own kin. 

You taught me that blood isn't always thicker than water. 

You taught me that there are alwasy going to be 

Other people in my life who will take care of me and

Love me even when those who are supposed to be doing 

That don't want to. My family is my own choice. 

It takes a village to raise a child. 

Not just a mother and a father. 

There are numerous father figures out there for me. 

I have several whom I look up to for guidance and inspiration.

And, you taught me that my worth isn't 

Defined by one person and one person alone. 

You may have hated me, 

And you may have wanted me gone, 

But there are so many more that do not. 

Who want me around. 

Who love me. 

I realize that now. Because of your negligence. 

And for that, I thank you. 

Sincerely, 

Your child.