An Open Letter To My Father | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

An Open Letter To My Father

We've made it without you this far, we can make it the rest of the way.

536
An Open Letter To My Father
Mikayla Gregory

Dear Dad,

I want to start by saying I love you. I love you but I hate you at the same time.

I want you to know you hurt me. The days you left and never came back when I was just a child. The days we spent worrying about where you were and if you were safe. The days I spent crying because mama couldn't be there and you chose not to be there. You thought it was okay to pick and choose when you came and when you left. But that's not how life is supposed to work. You were supposed to be there loving me and Matthew unconditionally not leaving us constantly. Not choosing the drugs and alcohol over us.

I want you to know I'm sorry. I don't really feel that I have much to be sorry for but still, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you have never been a big part of my life. I'm sorry you've missed so many of my accomplishments. I'm sorry that the only time you heard I did something good was when it was in the newspaper. I'm sorry that you've made me a choice, not a priority.

I want you to know I'm doing just fine without you. Don't ever think you have to worry about me because I can take care of myself. I've made it this far and I'm gonna make it even farther and I don't need you to do anything.

I want you to know you are my father but you're not my dad. A dad is someone who loves you unconditionally and is there for you 110 percent of the time. You haven't been that for me, you've always been in and out at your convenience.

I want you to know I'm done. I'm done trying to please you when all you do is hurt me. I'm done getting my hopes up that you're gonna change. I'm done listening to you apologize when I know you're just going to do the same things constantly. I'm done losing sleep over you. I'm done listening to you complain about how much life sucks and how the people you're around suck when no one can change it but you.

I want to tell you, thank you. Even though I've been hurt more times than I can count and have cried more tears than I'd like to admit. I owe you a thank you. I learned to overcome and I'm stronger because of that and for that, I owe you a thank you.

I want you to know I forgive you. Forgiveness is one of those things that are hard especially when someone's put you through so much. But I forgive because not forgiving you only hurts me. Even though you've put me through hell, I forgive you. Even though you've made me feel like I wasn't good enough, I forgive you.

I have all the tools I need to make it through life. I have great friends, a great community, a great family, and a great God. I can follow my dreams and become successful without you.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1103
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

805
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments