Dear "Dad:" A Letter To My Estranged Father | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Dear "Dad:" A Letter To My Estranged Father

The day I was taken out of your house is the day I started regaining my strength.

Jessica Ulett
Aug 09, 2016
University of South Florida
3671
Dear "Dad:" A Letter To My Estranged Father
Just Jenna Rose

Dear Dad,

I have contemplated numerous times about all the things I would say to you if I were ever able to sit down with you and just speak. However, right now, all I would love to say to you is thank you.

I want to thank you for telling me that I have no common sense, that I am stupid, and that I will never be anything more than someone’s baby mother. I want to thank you for telling me that I can’t, that I will never, and that I am not good enough. Most people’s motivational quotes are verses from the Bible, while my motivational quotes are the words you would say to me. I had heard those words so many times that I believed them myself. The day I was taken out of your house is the day I started regaining my strength.

The first Father’s Day after we stopped communicating, I had a soft heart. I was about to leave for my first semester at school. I texted you “Happy Father’s Day” to which you responded, “You must have the wrong number.” You disclaimed me as your daughter. That is what prompted me to prove you wrong in everything you ever told me. Without you shutting me out, I would not have the drive in me that I do today.

Thank you, “dad,” for being there with me when I study in the library until 4am, when you telling me “you have no common sense” would play in my head when I just couldn’t get that Sapling problem correct. Thank you for helping me realize that writing is something that I love, being able to share my experiences with others is something I love to do. Thank you for putting so much negativity in my life that I am able to find positivity in the little things. Every time I get frustrated or want to give up, I remember how you hurt me and I persevere.

I have experienced so many amazing things since you stopped being in my life, and that is only because I was able to move on. I cannot wait to see where life will take me, and if I am to one day become successful, I want you to know that you are the reason why. Without you doubting me and bringing my self-esteem to the lowest points, I would never have as much devotion and passion as I do to prove you wrong.

Sincerely,

The Daughter You Wish Wasn’t Yours

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

AI music threatens creativity

The Soul of Sound: How AI Challenges Human Expression in Music

286562
Humans and robots face off in a rock band battle with guitars and drums, under dynamic lighting.
StableDiffusion

In an age where artificial intelligence can mimic the voice of Freddie Mercury or reimagine pop hits as synthwave ballads, a new frontier has emerged — one that blurs the line between innovation and erosion. While AI offers undeniable benefits in technical domains, its intrusion into creative arts, especially music, raises urgent questions. Not just about copyright, but about culture, education, and the very soul of artistic expression.


Keep Reading...Show less
ai generated music
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

Miami University
620232
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
music
Entertainment

Why Your Astrological Sign May Not Match Your Personality

We are all more than just one sign.

SUNY Plattsburgh
534736
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
astrology
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

UNC Greensboro
512478
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
spring
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

Sacred Heart University
784233
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
good person

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments