The relationship between a father and daughter is one that most people can picture. As a little girl there are dreams of father daughter dances, scaring away any guy that tries and talk to her, and walking her down the aisle when she found "the one".

Yet this relationship can be the one that will affect a young girl for the rest of her life. Most girls seem to be lucky. They have a supportive father who was there for her every step of the way. Someone she looks up to as a role model for future relationships. But for others, this relationship is one that leaves a sour taste in her mouth.

A father who is unsupportive, crushes her hopes and dream, belittles her abilities and talents, yet asks for her undivided attention and love throughout the years is the reason that young girls have no idea what a healthy relationship is meant to looks like. He failed to create trust and honesty, but he never failed to tear her down when a simple mistake occurred.

To the dad that broke my heart...

I am growing from what you said to me. I will show you that what you did to me as a child is only the motivation and strength that keeps me going. I will show you that I am talented, passionate, and will reach the goals and dreams you only shut down. I will make something of myself despite being told I was never good enough.

I will not be what you are. I will love and support those around me. I will guide those around me instead of pushing them away from their dreams. I will laugh when you would have discouraged it. I will smile despite the scars you have left on me. I will see the positive in my negative past.

While you watch from the outside, I am mending the broken heart that you created. I have to learn to stop hearing the harsh words you said to me for years, and only hear the truth about the person I have become and will continue to be. I have to learn how to trust again. To put aside the pain you caused me, and see the good in the people I am with. They are not you.

I have to learn you will not change. You will never be the role model that fits into the dreams your little girl had. You were never there for the father daughter dances, and you never met any of the guys I dated.

You will just be the first guy to break my heart, but the first to make me stronger.

Sincerely, your daughter.