Tell Dad I Love Him

“Back in February, he took me to one of my favorite places I hadn't been to since I was a kid: the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. I love anything to do with STEM and we spent the whole day there. It was at half operation because of COVID restrictions but I still had a blast. He mostly just let me run around and see whatever and I was constantly pulling his hand to show him something. And all the while he was just calm, casual and just going with the flow. Not overbearing but right by my side the whole time. [...] When we finally got to my mom's place, he wrapped me up in his arms and hugged me, I thanked him again, he said "You're welcome baby. I love you", "I love you too dad". He sounded like he breathed a sigh of relief and he hugged me just a bit tighter. He smiled at me, we said goodbye, he kissed me on my head and that was that. The first time I ever told my dad I love him :).”

“But somehow after hearing about that, he had to look his past in the face. He hit me up, and he apologized for the first time ever. He told me I had every right to be mad at him, and that he hates how he handled things. I didn't immediately forgive him, but with consistency we continued talking. Months turn into over a year, and he still is consistent with calling me and reconnecting. Then this last week he had told me that he loves me, I simmered on it for a day, and the next call.. I told him that I loved him too. I'm so happy I don't have to die with this resentment in my heart. Life doesn't have to be what you think others would expect of you.”