Dear Dad

I don't even know if I can call you dad anymore. You might as well be dead to me. I know that sounds harsh, and I hope it is. You tell me that you love me and that you care but you were NEVER there for me. I wish that things weren't like this but they are. And it's no one else's fault but your own. I am ashamed to look at you and call you my father. How do you think mom feels to call you her husband? You let yourself go. I want to know the dad that taught me to ride a bike. The dad who took those annoying pictures every place we went. I want to know the dad who would keep the light on for me every night because I was afraid of the dark. But he is long gone. I just wish I had the chance to say goodbye. Now all I know is the crazy, abusive dad who comes home drunk to where he can't even stand straight. Now I know the dad who confuses others for his wife and confuses a tickle with a punch. I am humiliated because of you. Whenever you drink, I just want to get rid of you. Sometimes I never want to see you again. Sometimes I feel like I'm better off without you...Because it's true. Without you, I've been able to find employment while being a scholar, an artist, a musician, and an athlete. I've also been able to get accepted into multiple colleges. I do not need you to direct my life. because i have been able to direct myself. You are useless, and I'm sorry to be this harsh but your actions have brought us here. You are a drunk, aggressive person to me. NOT my dad. Right now I don't want anything to do with you. Because being with you is like living in hell. Some lady said that writing this intervention letter will help but I don't think so. I'll write this anyway so I can at least say that I tried the best that I could. You've lost me as a daughter. So I am writing to you as a person. Go to treatment. Fix yourself up. Get some help!

-Vanessa