For years, my mom refused to talk about my dad, only saying, “He left us.” But her silence only fueled my curiosity. At 18, I found him myself, and the truth was more painful than I ever imagined.
Growing up without a father was tough. While other kids had both parents at school events and family gatherings, it was just me and my mom. She worked non-stop as a nurse to provide for me, always putting my needs before her own. I admired her strength and resilience.
As a child, I wondered about my dad. I wrote letters to him, not to send, but to imagine what he might be like. My mom eventually found these letters and ripped them up, saying, “He doesn’t care about you.” This hurt me deeply, and I stopped asking about him.
But as I grew older, my curiosity returned. I started to question my mom’s version of the story. Why was she so angry and bitter? What if she had driven him away? When I turned 18, I decided to find him. With the help of a friend, we searched social media and eventually found a man with the same name.
The day I met him was a mix of emotions. I imagined a heartfelt reunion, but instead, he revealed a painful secret. He told me he never wanted me and had begged my mom to end the pregnancy. This revelation shook me to my core.
Returning home, I broke down in tears, and my mom knew something was wrong. She listened as I shared what happened, and for the first time, she opened up about my dad. She told me he didn’t want children and wanted her to end the pregnancy. When she refused, he chose to leave.
In that moment, I understood why my mom had kept the truth from me. She wanted to protect me from feeling like a mistake or a burden. I realized that my dad’s decision to leave was about him, not me. My mom, on the other hand, had always been there for me, providing love and support.
This experience taught me the importance of honesty and the complexity of family relationships. I no longer wonder about my dad, and I’m grateful for my mom’s unwavering love and dedication. She may not be perfect, but she’s my rock, and I appreciate her for being there for me, no matter what.
