I grew up thinking I was a disappointment, an unwanted girl
I grew up seeing you choose your family and friends’ sons over me
I grew up seeing you leave my court to watch them toss a ball
I grew old and still can count the times you visited on a single hand
I stood by you when I thought you needed it most
I didn’t yet know you betrayed us in her final hours
I didn’t know how far you would fall
You didn’t know that I still look at her in the mirror
and you didn’t know that I could walk away
I just wanted you to know that dear dad
I know this letter will never get to you, dear dad, but I had to let you know that I will never break, I will never be like you and I will always put my kids first.
