Dear "Dad",

if that word even describes you anymore. It might to your new kids, but not to me. Dad are meant to be there for their daughters. Daughters shouldn't have to hear there dad testify in court that they aren't worth it. But lucky me, I got stuck with a "dad" who did.

From the beginning you didn't want me. You left my mom when she was carrying me, your child. You left her to ride the bus at 7 months pregnant so you could have the car. You had a new girlfriend, and found she was more important than your wife and first born child. You didn't see me for the first few months of my life. That should have been the biggest red flag, and yet I still wanted to love you.

Up until I was 13, I wanted your love. I saw you every other weekend. You gave me 2 of the best brothers a girl could ask for. But it was still all about you. When my eyes were opened, I saw I didn't need your love to become a strong person. I wasn't going to continue to beg for you to be in my life. That isn't a daughters job.

After I stopped reaching out, you starting putting all your love and attention into your 3rd wife, and my new step-siblings. While they got new shoes, jobs at your stores, everything they wanted- you complained about paying half of my USED prom dress.

Then I went to college in Branson. At one of the most sought-after schools, College of the Ozarks. We didn't talk until you started suing my mom. You didn't want to pay child support, half my medical bills, or half my college expenses (per our court papers). Your excuse was "we didn't tell you" so you shouldn't have to pay. The thing is- you didn't ask. You hadn't talked to me in almost 2 years. Why would I, the daughter, reach out to a "dad" who didn't want me?

The court ruling came back and you won. No more payment for you. I can be out of your life for good.

What did I ever do to deserve a dad like you? I wasn't even born when you left us. I tried my ENTIRE life to be someone you wanted. To be your first choice. And I never was.

I see now that i'm 20 and almost done with college, that it wasn't my fault. None of it was. I was a child. YOU were supposed to be the adult. I don't hate you, because hate is too exhausting. But you will not be at my college graduate. You will not be at my wedding. My children will not know who you are. Unless it's an event for my half-brothers, I will never see you again. Nobody deserves a dad like you.

Lastly, thank you. Thank you for stepping out of your "father" positions and allowing some great men to step into it. They love me and care for me, even though they didn't first create me. If you've taught me one thing- it's that family isn't always blood. Family is love.