Father's Day

Father,

You have been gone now for over ten years. It feels like so much longer...not because I miss you, but because I have grown so much as a person in those ten years that I know I will never let anyone treat me the way you did ever again.

I forgive you. However, I will never forget the things you put me and Josh through. I will never forget the way you treated mom. I will never forget your horrible temper. I will never forget the clothes brush, the paddle, the whatever you could get your hands on. I will never forget the lies or excuses you gave to everyone. I will never forget the way you treated women. I will never forget how cold and manipulative and evil you were.

I will always remember the suffering you endured. I will always remember your last words. I will always remember the regret in your eyes. But luckily for me, I have already forgotten your face.

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Dad,

Thank you for loving and accepting me unconditionally even when I couldn't love or accept myself. You are probably the most caring and genuine person I have ever met, and even though we are on separate continents, I can still feel your love. Thank you for taking care of mom and grandma and for giving us Gabriel. Thank you for staying strong and committed and positive for the last 4 years.

I can't wait until you get home and until we all can see your face again.

I love you.

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Daddy,

Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for not letting me starve or go without a home. Thank you for defending me. Thank you for being my biggest fan.

Thank you for everything else you would have done these past three years had I not been selfish or shady.

I miss your company, I miss your friendship, I miss your honesty and your patience.

I look forward to the day when I can correct the wrongs I did and show you that person no longer exists.

I'm happy that you are happy and healthy.