A Letter to Dad

Doris Robinson

You removed me from your life. My childhood growing up was good. Mommy did the best she could, raising one daughter and five sons. I used to wish and pray you would come back. You have missed so much.

My bad days were when I graduated from school and you weren’t there. Next was when I got married and you weren’t there to walk me down the aisle. So I eloped.Then I had your first grandchild. Again, you weren’t there.

I missed how you used to take us fishing. My children grew up without a granddad. I told them some things about you. But they didn’t see or hear from you. I was hurt.

How do you tell your daughters and son to love on a man they do not know? By the time you came back into my life, my kids had kids of their own. You left a big void in my life and in theirs.

Mother always said you would come back one day. I didn’t know it would be 30 years later.

But Daddy, I am not bitter. I grew up with a loving mother and five brothers. I wish you had the chance to watch me grow up to be the person I am today. But I’m grateful you came back into my life and that I have the chance to know your hopes and dreams now.

We got a second chance to get to know each other as adults.

You have a great grandson that has part of your name. We can go fishing together again and share your favorite — tea and honey — together.

If there is anything I have learned while growing up, it is things happen for reason. Some things don’t need to be explained. My mother used to say, “things happen — so get over them.” So I did.

If I could say anything to fathers, it would be to “be there for the life you created, no matter what.” In this world today, we need both parents to raise up a child.

I love my dad!

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