Daddy’s Little Girl
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Let It Go
By Linda Bruno

Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something; forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.
~Criss Jami, Salomé: In Every Inch In Every Mile

Ours wasn’t your typical father/daughter relationship. The words “warm and fuzzy” simply didn’t apply. I can’t remember my dad saying, “I love you.” There were no affectionate kisses. No hugs.

What I do remember is a lingering sense of impending doom as I wondered when the next verbal explosion might occur. Most of my memories of my father are of terse exchanges during the week or alcohol-induced outbursts on weekends, of being told on numerous occasions that I was not wanted, that I was an accident. (Keep reading)