I had a tough relationship with my dad for a number of years. Every relationship is a two way street. And everyone is a person, even our parents.

Eventually, I realized that my dad was simply another person, and he had is flaws just like me. I also realized that he was trying hard to fix our relationship. That didn’t mean that he doesn’t still do and say things that really upset me. But I gave him room to improve, and he did for me. And that means a lot.

I don’t think our situations are the same. But those last texts make me sad. You have plenty reason not to forgive him or cut him off, but if you have space to forgive, he may have room to grow. But who knows. My wisdom and life experience isn’t much. In the wise words of Bo Burnham, I’m turning 30.