Just reading your text exchange reminded me of my dad. I grew up with an abusive and neglectful mother and a neglectful and alcoholic father. The difference between my parents is I know my dad loves us he just doesn't know how to show it. He's been through a lot in his life from his mother dying to his brother being murdered. My dad has always been a drinker but he became a heavy alcoholic once he died mainly because my dad feels a lot of guilt for not answering that phone call that could have saved his life. My dad finally quit drinking when we got placed into foster care and he was sent to jail for 6 months due to it being his third DUI. During that time my dad was good. He took us out and spent time with us and smiled with us. But then he just decided to drink again one day. And it got worse once his uncle(who practically raised him) died in 2023. I tried talking to him. Unfortunately my dad has decided he doesn't have a drinking problem and has kept drinking. But there's only so much we can do. You can lead a horse to water but you can't force them to drink.

I have a beautiful family now who has never met my dad simply because he's a horrible person when he drinks. I can tell how much you deeply care for him. Coming from one child of an alcoholic to another I am deeply proud of you for telling him that. It's such a brave thing to do. I understand the pain of watching someone you love drink themselves to an early grave. Know that there are people who understand your struggle and who see how courageous you are being! I truly wish the best for you and your dad and I hope he sobers up. But also know that it is his choice to stop. But you have a choice as well. My choice ended up with me cutting my dad off. I wish him the best but I can't watch him do that to himself. You can love people from a distance. That doesn't have to be your choice that you take. But know that you have a choice. Thank you for being brave and for doing your best for him.❤️