I tell you this only to demonstrate that the way you deal with your dad’s abandonment of you is praise-worthy, especially insofar as you look to God instead of turning your anger on undeserving targets. If I may be so audacious as to give advice to a stranger… offer yourself to him as far as you can. I know I often get burned this way with my mom, but it seems like family is my stumbling block in this world and I will be a better person if I try my best to attain relationships in this realm that could easily be discarded. Also, maybe you can teach him by example. (This sometimes work with my husband). Literally treat him like you wish he would treat you. If you remember his birthday without prompting, how could he dare to forget yours? Just something to ponder. Please don’t consider me awfully presumptuous for offering these suggestions.

It’s tough, but someone told me today to consider this: Jesus spent nearly three years in close contact with Judas Iscariot, the one who would betray Him. Yet Christ knew that all along. So we can find comfort in the fact that He has gone through the very same difficulty we go through in our lives. Stay strong and depend on Him!

-Brent

Is your dad going through any counseling at all? If not, maybe you could connect him with a Christian counselor that could not only help him with whatever is going through his head, but might also help him find peace through Christ. I can’t say that I can imagine how it would be to not want to see my own dad, but I know the feeling in terms of not wanting to see/talk to/be anywhere close to someone…

I guess the only good news is that at least now he seems to be making SOME effort… Keep focused on the positive changes – it’s progress…

~natz