As a child, it is not very noticeable when someone misses a big moment in your life: your first steps, your first day of school, or even losing your first baby tooth. But as you grow older, you feel the absence of the person that is missing from those special moments. The people we notice missing the most usually have a big part in our life. A girl's dad is one of the biggest people in her life; they set the bar for what you think a man should be and how you should be treated. Well Dad, you have shown me everything I don’t want.

Your countless excuses for not being there have run dry. After all of the holidays missed, the birthdays and games unattended, I have stopped looking for you in the crowd. The “I love you” and “I miss you” messages are as empty as the bottles you left behind. But with your absence, I have grown into an adult that no longer needs you.

I have done so many things I thought I would never be able to do without you around to help me. I learned to drive a car and to fill my tires and change my oil; these are the things we always talked about doing together. I got my first job at 16, something I thought I would not have to do until after college because I had your financial support. I had my first car accident and had to figure out how to exchange insurance and take care of my car. I graduated high school with an acceptance to a college already under my belt. These things I imagined going through with you.

Not only did you miss out on the important moments in my life, but I no longer wish you were there. I do not see you in my future; I do not wish for you to be a part of my life anymore. I have a support system in which you no longer fit. I am succeeding in things we dreamt up together and I no longer feel your influence in anything that I do.

I want to thank you for leaving, though. I would not be the independent person that I am now, making me open my eyes to the real world. Also, thank you for making me realize what an amazing family that I have behind me. My mom is so strong and you leaving only made her stronger. As for my siblings, we are closer than ever; I have two best friends that I never knew I had. You have made me a stronger woman than I ever imagined I would be, so I thank you.