All my life I was without a father. My father left my mother and all of his kids in 1971. I was 3 and half years old. I have a very vague memory of him. I only remember him through old pictures.

Growing up without a dad is definitely a disadvantage! It was hard-  I kept convincing myself that I wouldn’t know anything different than this- because I was very young when he left. I don’t even remember the pain. It’s like …. he just vanished! Funny how it’s only now that I understand – how some of my traits were the result of not having him in my life.

I had low self esteem. I also did not trust men. But you know what? I never felt anger towards him. I was always hopeful that one day he would appear on our doorstep. 

And one day he did!

He came back when I was 16 years old but only for a very short time. He found out that I was making a name for myself. I was then starting my career in show business. I was busy with singing engagements and TV shows. He actually asked me to go with him to Australia and join some singing contest. He wanted to manage my career and asked me to leave my mother. I was shocked! I couldn’t believe the audacity of this man. It was awful! I was so disappointed ? 

When I got married and started a life in the United States, he started contacting me. 

Most of our conversations were about him. He explained himself to me and he constantly asked for forgiveness. I never once treated him badly. I even put my husband and children on the phone to talk to him. This is what I’ve learned — when parents part ways, there isn’t  2 sides to the story, it’s actually 3! 

My father’s side, my mother’s side, and the truth. Regardless, it will never change my childhood. What’s done is done. I never used the situation as an excuse for any of my failures.  I decided that it should not affect who I am and what I want from life. 

The peace I have is something I have given myself for not hanging on to anger. I tried very hard to steer myself away from the inevitable circumstances that would come from this. 

I will not let this define me. My father passed away August 31, 2005. 

So on this Father’s Day… I continue to pray for his soul, and I want him to know that I thank him, I have forgiven him, and I love him.

 Because without my father… 

I wouldn’t be in this world. Happy Father’s Day up in Heaven ??❤️??