I don’t know about you, but I was one of those girls who had a terrible relationship with their father. I never really felt close to him, maybe it was due to the fact that he’s in the military and he’s been gone most of my life. The first 8 years of my life, the only time I’ve seen him was during Christmas and New Year’s. On my birthday, I only received a birthday card, sometimes with a phone call from him. Everytime he would come back from the states, he would bring home lots of toys and clothes with him. I was happy seeing all those gifts, but at the same time the man who brought me all those toys was a stranger to me. Finally when he was able to petition us, we were together in Japan. It took a lot of getting used to having a father 24 hours, giving me all kinds of rules. I thought it was unfair, and I even wanted it to go back to the way it was when he wasn’t with us—because my mom wasn’t as strict as he was. I grew up rebelling against my parents, and it only got worse when I got to high school. Throughout middle school, I hid my boyfriends from my parents, but I continued to get straight A’s. When I finally reached high school, I got tired of being called a “goody goody” I made choices to make sure I fitted in. My dad of course, got deployed again, and it went back to seeing him only a few times a year. I was jealous of girls who had the best relationship with their father—like the ones on tv. My mother told me, that those kind of relationship with father and daughter only existed on tv. I didn’t believe her, I wanted to have that kind of relationship with my dad, but at the same time, I was afraid. Since we weren’t seeing eye to eye, he was still a stranger to me. 

…

It wasn’t until a few months ago that our relationship got better. I actually started listening to him whenever he would talk, because I know he only wants what’s best for me. (I’m not saying I follow EVERY RULE, but I am more understanding now). I can actually talk to him about any problems and I’m not afraid to cry in front of him when I’m hurt. And despite everything, I know I can always count on him, specially during the tough times. I miss him dearly, and I can’t wait til he comes home to us again!

And even though he doesn’t know my tumblr, I would like to dedicate this post to him.
I love you, Dad. Please come home safely to us <3