This is an open letter to my father.
To my father who did not come to my undergraduate graduation ceremony four days ago.
To my father who has never asked me if I needed anything.
To my father who has never supported anything I've done.
To my father who my boyfriend had to force to attend my junior college graduation two years ago.
To my father who criticizes everything I do.
To my father who doesn't know how to have a conversation with me.
To my father who decided he would rather paint a house than attend my graduation.
To my father who looked me in my eyes and lied when he said he was leaving for the ceremony soon.
To my father who, not one month ago, I went to the store to buy soft food for because he was so sick he could barely eat.
To my father who came to one of my middle school basketball games, but never came inside the gym to see me play.
To my father who tells hurtful, meanspirited jokes about his family.
To my father who would have made it to my ceremony if I were my half brother.
To my father who says he does not have to deal with anyone who has done him wrong.
To my father who I've always had a soft spot for.
To my father who has never shown me how a woman should be treated.
To my father who never congratulated me on getting into an advanced standing master's program.
To my father who has yet to call me or text me to apologize for not making it on Saturday.
To that man, I say, I am done.
I say my soft spot is gone.
I say I have no more tears.
I say I will not give you the opportunity to let my unborn children down.
I say I do not have to deal with anyone who has done me wrong.
I say I will pray for you.
I say I have no father.
