I'm saying father, because it takes more than DNA to be a dad.

Growing up, home was a scary place where abuse was the daily ritual. Today, I'm 23 and you'd imagine I'd be bitter around father's day, but I'm incredibly thankful.

I can't thank my father for being an asshole, cause abuse should never be applauded, but I am thankful nonetheless.

Today I'm 23 and I am fearless. Every time my father screamed at me or hit me, he was in fact cheering me on and pushing me forward in life.

Many nights I was too afraid to say a word, but today I have found my voice and this voice is raised higher than any man's rage.

This father's day, I had no idea where my father was, but I was not fatherless. You don't need a biological father to have a father. I am blessed with an all in one mom.

With my father never being there, I have an extra strong bond with my mom. The position of father has also been filled by many other amazing people, God and knowing I don't need to find a father to find myself.

If you're reading this and had the same experience, I want you to know that we are blessed.

We were pushed to grow stronger and wiser beyond our age and this inner strength gives us the fearlessness to experience more in life, because we know we can survive and this makes us free.

I won't trade this freedom for any father in the world.

Submitted by Dinie Soeknogpopcorn

From: Open Letters that Matter