A Letter to my Father

Hey Dad,

It's been a while. Over a year, actually. Wow... time flies I guess?

First of all, I would like to thank you. You gave me life, that's big and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for that. Also, thank you for the things you have taught me. You showed me how to not be a father. I have learned how to parent better after seeing the consequences of doing so poorly. I will do better with my own children one day. I will engage with their interests, spend time with them and be there for them, which is far more than you ever did.

Second, I would like to outline the difference between a father and a dad. According to The Daily Republic, "A father is someone who believes that by donating his sperm for your creation, he has done his duty in life. A dad is someone who gets up every day and does what he can to put a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food on the table." I do not feel that this definition fully lines up with my own and so I'll give my own. I believe that a father is indeed someone who believes that by donating his sperm, he has done his duty in life. but I believe that a real dad does more than maintain his offspring's basic physical needs. I believe a real dad also caters to the mental and emotional needs of his children. Anyway, I digress. Either way you have done none of those especially since we moved away.

I haven't heard from you at all since last year where I received a text from you: "Happy birthday Alfie. Hope you have a wonderful day. Lots of love, Dad. XX" Yes, you wished me a happy birthday, however you made no effort to see me for this rather large milestone. I turned 18. I became an adult. That is huge! I would have loved to see you but, once again, you made no effort to do so. Even so, I'll fill you in on the most recent events of my life. I have been doing very well at college and have made some lifelong friends that I adore with all my heart, and I got my diploma back in July for video game design. Although, as I am sure you're aware, my college is currently closed due to coronavirus. I have taken up a few hobbies to keep me occupied like soap and candle making - I've also gotten back into gardening, Ethan and I have been together for over 3 years now and I couldn't be happier. He treats me very well and I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend. If you had put even a drop of effort in the last year, you'd already know all of this.

There is so much more I should say to you but I simply can't anymore. I cannot deal with you messing me and my brother around. The stress of it makes me sick, so I'll leave you with this. You are a terrible father and an even worse dad. The fact that you found it so easy to cast us aside after we left is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourself. You did not even try to fight for us. What kind of a parent does that make you? I'm glad you are no longer in our lives and I would be grateful if you were to leave us alone from now on. You missed your chance and you don't get another go that you'll half-ass and hurt us with.

Yours,

Alfie XX

I found the cover photo here: https://www.stampsdirect.co.uk/blog/2013/08/02/the-history-and-resurgence-of-wax-seals/