Fathers, Listen Up!

So many times have I seen women's lives  shaped by the relationship they had (or didn't have) with their fathers!! While my father was never around much (at all!), and my parents divorced when I was 8, I knew without a doubt my father loved me unconditionally. When he did come visit, once every year or three, I knew I was the apple of his eye and would never be spoken harshly to by him. I was called "Punkin" and "Daughter" and snuggled and loved. And I ate it up!

I know of a very young woman whose father calls her—to her face—a bitch. What the hell?! She's still a teenager!! How is this even possible and why is it allowed to happen? I know of a young woman whose father made it clear she would never be good enough for him. In her relationships with the boyfriends in her life, she's still trying to be good enough, and lives with a fear that she's not. What was her father thinking?!! I know of a much older woman whose father molested her as a child. She harbored a deep disgust for men and distrusted them her entire life. Why do fathers not realize the harm they're doing?!

Fathers, listen up and listen up good. Love your daughters! Show your daughters, as well as tell them, that they are beautiful as they are. Show your daughters they are capable of whatever they set their minds to. Show your daughters they deserve unconditional love, and give them yours. 

Because my father showed me his unconditional love and support, I knew that's the kind of love I deserved. I settled for nothing less. 

Thanks for reading,
Cami

p.s. Your good juju today: Ladies, you are worthy of love whether your fathers showed you or not!

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