Dad,

Thank you, for raising me to know how I won’t treat my children
Because I hope they never feel how I feel at night
Thank you, for being an example on how not to do things
Because you forgot I’m a real person, not just “your kid"
Thank you, for taking my love and twisting it into resentment
Because you’ve relentlessly beat me emotionally time and time again
Thank you, for giving me the strength to move past hurt.
Because Lord knows I was hurt
Thank you, for telling me I’m worthless and a whore
Because it’s made me stronger
Thank you, for hurting me time and time again
Because I know how to handle it
Thank you, for showing me money isn’t what I want
From a relationship
Thank you for showing me what I won’t stand for
What I don’t let people do to me any longer
How I won’t tolerate being spoken down to
Or mistreated.
By anyone.
Thank you, for making me independent,
Because I hated asking you for anything
Thank you, for making me make friends
Because I couldn’t talk to you about anything
I hope you know you’ve forfeit the invitation to my wedding
And the place in my heart as my father
Thank you, for being a terrible dad,
But a great motivator.