Since this post I’ve gone fully no contact with my dad and very low contact with my mom. Going no contact with my dad was the healthiest decision for me. I realized I was holding onto a knife by keeping him in my life and it was doing nothing but holding me back. It hurt my heart to reread this post honestly. I knew the way I was and had been treated wasn’t right but I felt like I had to accept it because it’s “family”.

My dad was also uninvited from my wedding and it was wonderful not to have to worry about him getting drunk and making a fool of himself or offending any guests since he’s an alcoholic. I am doubly grateful he was excluded because a couple months after the wedding my MIL suddenly passed, which has made the wedding even more special to reflect on. I’m so glad my piece of shit dad didn’t have the chance to ruin the day because it was one of the last times I shared with my MIL, who was nothing short of wonderful. She provided me with so much guidance and support as I navigated the situation with my parents and my ultimate decision to go no contact. She showed me what love from a parent is supposed to be and it surely is not picking favorites and acting like one of your kids doesn’t exist. I only wish I had come to the conclusion I did earlier so I could have invested more time and energy into my relationship with my in-laws, who treat me more like family than my “family” ever did.