The Blessing and Curse of An Absent Father—Chana's Story

I know it’s impossible to turn back the hands of time.

There are so many moments I feel so completely robbed of.

A childhood with an active father is one of them. However, his absence contributed to the strength I can not deny. I hate having to be strong all the time but I literally have no choice. I was bred that way.

When this picture was taken, my father had apologized. This picture captured forgiveness personified. He simply said, “I don’t know what I’ve done over the past 50 years.” That apology, the acknowledgment was all I needed. I didn’t question anything else.

Every child needs their father but girls really need them. I grew up wondering if I would ever feel or know the genuine love of a man simply because I had not ever had it.

He taught me how not to have unmet expectations and if you do, do not be destroyed when things don’t go as planned. He also taught me timing is everything.

I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to forgive while we are still alive because once death occurs, there’s no option.

We often want to place blame where it’s not warranted. We expect our parents to know better and they simply don’t. Oftentimes they were not taught either.

Sometimes we have to teach them, period.

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Reposted with permission. Thanks, Chana.

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