It’s been years since my dad was a regular presence in my life. Sometimes I can go a year without seeing him. As I’m getting older, I’m more aware of his absence.
My parents split when I was 2 years old, but back then, I’d still see him every weekend. The days we went to my father’s house were great. He’d do my hair in these puff balls I liked, and he’d take my siblings and me to a park we called “the pond”. But these visits came to an abrupt stop around the fifth grade. And until this day, I still don’t know why.
My mom is now the breadwinner in the house and it’s not easy with three kids. My sister and I sometimes have to cook dinner, which is hard to do when we have homework. But with my dad out of the picture, we have to step up to help my mom.
My dad has missed birthdays, holidays, and milestone moments in our lives. How does he feel about missing out on so much? I have no idea.
My dad’s absence is forcing me to grow up fast–And I’m not ready.