To The One Who Left,

You decided to leave us behind. I was a month old and didn't realize what was going on. I never truly understood what happened that day until I was older. One day, I decided to leave you behind. I turned 12 the day before and you forgot my birthday. It hurt like hell knowing the man who helped create me couldn't even acknowledge the day I was brought into the world.

I am not writing to bash you, make you feel sorry, or anything of that nature. I am writing to thank you.

Thank you for leaving. If you had stayed I would not have the family or life I have now. I have parents who love me, a Dad who chose to have me in his life, and a Mom who never left. I'm by no means discrediting the fact that you love me, but you love yourself more. Because you left, I have parents who always have and always will put my needs before their own.

Thank you for showing me what love is not. Love is not putting your needs before someone else's, especially your child's. You are suppose to fight for people you love. You showed me that love is not leaving a child behind. You are suppose to stay in their life even when it is hard. When you love someone no matter how hard, you try to be a part of their life. You do anything you can to make sure they're happy.

Thank you for showing me what dependability is not. Someone who is dependable and reliable is there for the people in their life 24/7. You were not. I never want anyone in my family or friend group to feel as I have felt knowing you are not there for me. I ensure that I am always there for them in their time of need, when it's most important to have someone in their life.

Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today. If you had not left my mom and me, who knows where I would be or who I would be. If you had made a different decision I could be someone completely different. If you had not left us, I would not have the friends I have, or the experiences I have that have influenced who I am.

Thank you for letting me hate you. When I was growing up and I would always get my hopes up that you were at my soccer games and you didn't show up; I hated you. Those emotions changed me; I allowed myself to feel.

Thank you for letting me forgive you. When I finally came to terms that you would never be in my life as an actual father, I finally forgave you. Because of your decision, God brought a man into my life who could be the Dad I needed him to be. So I forgive you for leaving. It was the best gift and thing you could have ever done for me.

Thank you for leaving,

Love the daughter who doesn't need you.