My dad and I have been through the ringer together to say the least. I've always been by his side though, whether he was the one who put us through it or not. It all started In Memphis, Tennessee, our hometown. I only lived there for the first couple of years of my life, so I don't remember much. We all moved to Missouri when I was 5 for dad's new job. Although we visit Memphis frequently, ever since we left things have changed. My dad was going through a rough time. In correlation to that the rest of the family had to go though it too. 

My dad when I was younger Wouldn't exactly have won the father of the year award. I try not to remember those years because he was in a dark place. The older I've gotten the more I've understood what he felt. Fast forward to 3rd grade, Mom and Dad are getting a divorce. Having to help raise my sister who was 3 years older than me that put my mom through hell at the ripe age of 9 definitely made me blame him. At first wouldn't understand what was going on, It felt like I never could. It was so hard for all of us to navigate this new life we had been given. Although this was my dad's fault I also felt for him. I felt as if nobody really gave him the chance he deserved. During the early and all stages of their divorce I stuck by my dad. Every weekend I was at his house, I never gave up on my dad and he has never given up on me. 

Despite everything that happened He was the one constant I had in my life. Let alone the one person I know if I needed something ever, He would have it done no questions asked. Dads been my Number one supporter for as long as I can remember. Many times I never understood his tough love. He is the reason I passed my junior year of high school. I have never been good with my school work and when that started showing he always kept up with me. 

I hated when he checked my grades but it kept me going. When I was hopeless Dad was the reason I got it back. Through thick and thin he has taught me trust, love, vulnerability, how to stand up for myself, work ethic in the workplace. I have my dad to thank for the woman I have become today.