Ryder’s 18th birthday was supposed to be a big, exciting day. But instead of joy, it was filled with disappointment because his dad decided to go on a fishing trip with his friends instead of being with him. This wasn’t the first time Ryder felt let down by his dad, but what happened next changed how he saw things forever.
My name’s Ryder, and I just turned 18. Before I tell you about my birthday, let me take you back a bit. Life was pretty normal until I turned seven. That’s when my parents started arguing a lot. At the time, I didn’t understand why they were fighting, but I could feel the tension.
By the time I was eight, my dad was gone. I still remember that day clearly. My mom sat me down and said softly, “Ryder, sweetie, your father won’t be living with us anymore. But you can still see him whenever you want, okay?”
My heart started pounding. “But why, Mom? Did I do something wrong?” I asked, scared and confused.
Mom’s eyes filled with tears, but she tried to smile. “No, honey, you didn’t do anything wrong. This isn’t your fault at all.”
“Then why is Dad leaving?” I asked, desperately wanting to understand.
She sighed deeply. “Sometimes, grown-ups just can’t live together anymore. Your dad and I tried really hard to make things work, but sometimes things don’t turn out the way we hope.”
“Can’t you try harder?” I pleaded, not wanting to accept what she was saying.
She pulled me into a tight hug. “We did try, Ryder. For a long time. But sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is live apart. Your dad and I will always love you, and that won’t ever change. We just won’t be living in the same house anymore.” And with that, my parents got divorced.
After the divorce, Mom got a job as an elementary school teacher and worked really hard to take care of me. I’m so grateful for everything she did. But my dad? He slowly started to disappear from my life. He was always busy with work, hanging out with friends, or going fishing—especially fishing.
Every weekend, he’d take off to go fishing with his buddies, even when Mom reminded him that I’d be visiting. Despite everything, a part of me still craved his attention. I wanted him to notice me, to be proud of me. So, I spent years trying to win his approval, hoping that one day he’d realize how much I needed him. But I was wrong.
As my 18th birthday approached, I thought maybe, just maybe, this time would be different. I mean, turning 18 is a big deal, right? I planned a small party with Mom and a few close friends. I even texted Dad about it, and his reply gave me hope: “Sounds great! I’ll try to be there.”
When the day finally came, Mom went all out. She decorated the house, baked my favorite cake, and even surprised me with a new guitar I’d been wanting for months. Friends started arriving, and soon the house was filled with laughter and excitement.
But as the hours passed, there was still no sign of Dad. I kept checking my phone, hoping for a message, but there was nothing. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to call him. When he finally picked up, I could hear the sound of waves and people talking in the background.
“Dad, it’s my birthday,” I said, trying not to sound too desperate.
“Oh, right. Happy birthday!” he replied casually. “I’m out on the lake with the guys. I’ll catch you later, okay?”
I hung up, feeling my heart sink. Tears blurred my vision, and I rushed to my room, trying to hide how hurt I was. Mom found me there, sitting alone. She sat beside me, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “I’m sorry, honey. You know how he is.”
“I know,” I whispered, trying to stay strong, but inside, I was crushed.
The days after my birthday were a blur. I pretended everything was fine, but deep down, I felt invisible. Dad’s absence made me feel like I wasn’t important to him. Then, a week later, Dad called. He acted like nothing had happened.
“Hey, I got you a gift,” he said. “Want to come over and get it?”
Part of me wanted to tell him to forget it, but another part of me still held onto a tiny bit of hope. So, I agreed. When I arrived at his house, he greeted me with a big smile and handed me a long, wrapped package. As I unwrapped it, my heart sank—it was a fishing rod.
“What do you think?” he asked proudly. “We can go fishing together sometime!”
The fishing rod wasn’t just a bad gift; it was a reminder of all the times he wasn’t there for me, a symbol of the very thing that took him away from me.
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’s… great.”
He didn’t seem to notice how I really felt. “I figured it was time you learned the ropes. You’ll have fun!” He then suggested we go fishing the next weekend, but I knew I couldn’t keep pretending everything was okay.
“I… I can’t come next weekend, Dad,” I said. “I’ve got plans with Mom.”
He frowned for a moment, but then he smiled again. “No worries, we’ll find another time.” But deep down, I knew we wouldn’t, and for the first time, I was okay with that.
As I left his house, holding the fishing rod, I realized it was time to let go of the dream of having a close relationship with him. I couldn’t keep chasing after someone who couldn’t be there for me.
Over the next few months, I focused on the people who truly cared about me—my mom, my friends, and most importantly, myself. I threw myself into my music, practicing guitar for hours, and started helping Mom more around the house. I was so grateful for everything she had done for me.
One evening, as we were doing dishes together, Mom asked, “Have you heard from your father lately?”
“Nah, but it’s okay. I’m done waiting for him to show up,” I replied.
She looked at me with a mix of sadness and understanding. “I’m sorry it turned out this way, Ryder. I always hoped…”
“I know, Mom,” I said, hugging her. “But I’ve got you, and that’s more than enough.”
As time passed, I learned that my worth wasn’t tied to my dad’s attention. I found strength in the love and support around me and realized that sometimes people won’t be what you need them to be—and that’s okay.
The fishing rod still sits in my closet, untouched. But now, it’s not a symbol of what I lost; it’s a reminder of what I gained—self-respect, resilience, and the power to let go of what I can’t change.
What would you have done if you were in my place?
Share your thoughts in the comments down below!
