My stepdad, Tim, has raised me since I was eight years old, as my dad was often away for work. My dad has always hated Tim, and although my mom tried to ease the tension between them, the conflict never really went away, even until she passed away last year. When it came time for my wedding, I wanted my dad to walk me down the aisle.
He agreed and even offered to pay for all the expenses, but he gave me one heartbreaking condition: Tim could not attend the ceremony. I was devastated because I love my stepdad deeply, but having already lost my mom, I wanted at least my dad to be there for this important moment. With no other choice, I told Tim he couldn’t come.
He quietly agreed without complaint. On the day of the wedding, as my dad walked me down the aisle, Tim left the country. A few days later, I discovered a letter he had written to me. Reading his words, I was overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t stop crying.