What it means to be a DAD

May 24, 2015 3:28 AM

incendiasanguis

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Taken when I was 19: This is the only picture I have of the two of my birthparents and myself.

One of the happiest days of my life! I had struggled for so long wondering if they would ever want anything to do with me, and meeting them just seemed to heal a hole in my heart.

My birthfather and I, approximately 3 months later

He made an effort to get to know me, to spend time with me, and to eventually introduce me to my biological brothers. This is what made it so difficult to understand when he suddenly vanished from my life.

This is the last picture I have with him.

Taken a year after we met, this night is the last time I saw him. Unbeknownst to me, his current girlfriend had some serious issues with my birthmother, and blamed me for bringing her back into his life. She gave him an ultimatum, me or her, and he chose her. I've not heard from him since, though I've called him on every father's day for these five years. The only one of his children he keeps in touch with is my youngest brother (pictured on the right).

This is my wonderful and amazing dad.

I truly wouldn't be who I am without him. He's stood by my side as I struggled to find my birthfather, and then held me when I cried over losing him. He made sure I knew I was priceless and loved, even if the man who birthed me couldn't see it. This man perfectly exemplifies what it means to be a father, and proves it isn't who brought you into the world, it's who stuck around to be with you in it. Oh yeah, and happy birthday Dad! :)

Cat tax

My sister's cat Luna. She's the best thing since sliced bread.

EDIT: For those of you that want the full backstory (because I've been asked a few times and this is easier than rewriting it with a fractured wrist haha) you can go here and read it. I love you all!
http://imgur.com/gallery/5U63W/new

Double EDIT: And now I've been tasked with explaining/introducing Imgur to my Dad because I want him to see this.

I'm not crying. I just a twig or, ya know...a branch in my eye. ; n ;

11 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 3

No offense but your birth father looked like a tool anyway. Forget him.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

He only keeps in touch with one of his kids - it's not you, it's him. He's fucked up.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Cute op is cute.

11 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 3

You look like an awesome person. Your mom and pop look like awesome people. That guy other guy is weak. He's not shit else but just some(1)

11 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 1

Never met my mom, she found me on FB, but she acts like she didn't abandon me for 25 years.

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

I wanted to comment something fucked up but I just don't ave the energy, so picture something really mean right here.

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

100% crying right now.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

You know exactly who your true dad is. You are lucky, OP. :)

11 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 3

The child was adopted, the cat was in bread.

11 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Little boy blue and the man in the moon.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Best cat tax I've seen

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 2

I'm so glad you have a REAL dad in your life. He sounds amazing. Also, my kitty is named Luna, too, and she sure as shit is my best friend.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

As a father myself I could never choose another over my child, but on a brighter notr congrats on having a great man step to fill that void.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I hope you don't mind me asking, but what about your birth mom? Is she still in your life?

11 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Yes she is. She's just gone through a lot and is resisting change for the better, so it's difficult to really bond with her.

11 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

=( I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that things get better for you really soon.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My birth father moved to our neighboring city and started a new family. So my mother became a better father to us than he ever could've been

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

When you said "taken" at first i thought it was a liam neeson situation

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

My hubs stepdad is amazing great dad and papa. His bio dad wanted my MIL to abort. When she didn't he promised he'd come back for her. He

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Never did. Then several years down the road she met her now husband.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Bio-Dad or on the scene Dad, you don't find a child that loves as much as Leah does for either of us.

11 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

So glad I scrolled down to see this. Good job on raising an excellent human!

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

THIS IS MY DAD! MY DAD IS OFFICIALLY AN IMGURIAN! YES!

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

As an adoptive dad of two girls, this is a great post OP.

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

God bless you.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

This was great OP. Also, RIP OP's Sister...

11 years ago | Likes 54 Dislikes 4

It took me a while.... hahahah +1

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I wanted to comment about the Dad & the cat...deciding which to do was tearing me to pieces. Just like OP's sister was.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

She posted a picture pretty much immediately after of her leg with a lovely little scratch down the side.

11 years ago | Likes 58 Dislikes 0

She was askin' for it.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Keep that golden smile op you're going to do great things. :)

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

There's the guy that donated his sperm and the guy that donated his life.

11 years ago | Likes 198 Dislikes 1

Right in the feels

11 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Dude.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

oh, nicely said Sir, congratulations.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Well said...bravo *clapclapclapclap

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Well said, I like you.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Sorry your bio dad is so lame. How many kids did he have & put up for adoption? WTF is his deal? Keep in touch with your bio brothers?

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

He has three biological children, none that live with him. He's chosen to attempt and raise his girlfriend's kids while she's still married

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

He has three biological children, none that live with him. He's chosen to attempt and raise his girlfriend's kids while she's still married

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I... I don't foresee that ending well. For anyone.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Reading this, I'm amazed by his poor choices.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

You are spot on... it's not your damage, it's theirs.. You just be the amazing person you are.

11 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 1

I'd prefer that we not vilify people for not wanting to know someone (even a genetic offspring). I don't want to know a lot of people.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I'm sorry but if you chose a new gf over your children you deserve to be vilified

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

It's probably not a good reason. On the other hand, they aren't his children. We don't really have terms to describe their relationship.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

In the general case, I think it's unfair to say they're "wrong". In this case, it was a dick move to cut off all communication, though.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My wife has a badass step-dad too. Her sperm donor father is a dick. I'd pick the Step over the biological every day of the week.

11 years ago | Likes 39 Dislikes 1

adopted over biological in OP's case but i get your sentiment.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3

adoptive*

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 4

I pick my step over my bio who I haven't seen in over 10 years as he was verbally abusive and tried to molest me a few times as a teenager

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 2

My sperm donor was an abusive dick who landed in prison. The my mom married my dad and he's been the best ever since. :)

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I haven't seen or talked to my dad in 7 years now. Saw him driving while I was out for a run this week and I dont think he recognized me.

11 years ago | Likes 140 Dislikes 2

About three years now for me. If I saw my dad, I think I'd run the other way. Hugs to you.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's been 15 years since I last saw my mom. Shit hurts yo.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Haven't spoken or seen my biological father for 8 years now either... I can relate!

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I thought I had it bad. It's been a year. New wife shit

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

My biological dad got in contact with me when I was 15, saw me a few times, then never contacted me again. I'm 24 now

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Whoa! I'm sure that must have been a jolt to the system.

11 years ago | Likes 51 Dislikes 0

Yeah, it sucked. I kinda got over it a few years ago though, he's got his family and I've got my mom and my sisters.

11 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Going through the same situation, he decided to make a new family, kicked me and my mom out, we had to start over alone. 1/2

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

But after 4 years with out him, we have are happy and financially stable. My mom and I support each other and will always do.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm just saying I know what you're going through, and you've got to love the people in your life that are still there.

11 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

I saw my real dad on google maps mowing his lawn. My brother had knocked on his door days earlier the new wife said he had never lived there

11 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

damn that's cold.

11 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Post the picture to him & tell him what his new wife said. Why should she get to decide who he sees&doesn't. Let him say himself.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

He doesn't care. My brother remembers him as a dad & I don't. Our 'dad' constantly tells my brother that if only I would call, if only I 1/2

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Shit, he's got a phone, two hands for a letter. He's known about your existence for x years. Let him do it instead of putting it onto you

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Bro and I had no contact with my dad for 7 years, saw him about a month before he died. Didn't recognize my brother at all.

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Damn, I'm truly sorry to hear that

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Luckily for you, you already had a real dad. He sounds like a great man.

11 years ago | Likes 1511 Dislikes 5

And his anxiety when you went searching for a birth dad. There is a hole in his heart you won't know of.

6 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

For real. It sucks for those who have neither...

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

He really is.

11 years ago | Likes 232 Dislikes 1

Maybe it's for the best that the other guy wasn't there to raise you. Someone who can do THAT choice, ain't fit to be an example to follow.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Chin up OP, we're your real family now.... One of us! One of us!

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I'm 22 now and was adopted when I was 1. I've never once thought to look for my birthparents, because my real parents were always right 1/

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

2/ there with me. Your adoptive parents look like wonderful people and i hope all is well OP.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm 22 now and was adopted when I was 1. I've never once thought to look for my birthparents, because my real parents were always right 1/

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

To love and to be loved in return. Parents are heroes, be it adoptive or biological. Go hug that glorious man.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Is your username Latin? It looks Latin.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes, yes it is!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What does it mean? I know sanguis is blood, and I'm assuming incendia is something to do with fire.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It takes a real man to be a dad even when you don't have to be. Tell your dad he's making the world a better place.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

PS: Nice cat. What breed is that ? Bleu Russe, Chartreux ?

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I hate women like your dads current gf. :\ they're the worst kind of people. :\ at least you're other wise happy.

11 years ago | Likes 52 Dislikes 1

What about adoptive mom? She obviously knows how to play.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I wish you had used :/ one more time....

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I mean, her dad went with it. Takes 2 to tango, unfortunately.

11 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Yea. I know however women and men like the gf are the worst...they're manipulative assholes

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Does your username mean fire blood? Been a long time since I read Latin!

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes, yes it does!! :)

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Interesting choice! I like it. Any particular reason you chose it?

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes! It's not easy to realize though. Met my birthfater after 27 years and now I know that I had a real dad all the time and it was not him.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Send my good wishes his way!

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

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11 years ago (deleted Oct 23, 2015 8:09 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

Too bad probably none of his associates are Imgurians!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Too bad probably none of his associates are Imgurians!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

what kind of piece of shit makes someone choose between them and their kid? Also what kind of piece of shit chooses the first piece of shit?

11 years ago | Likes 79 Dislikes 1

My mother and my father, separately with different assholes.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Amen.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My dad's wife.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Mine almost did as well :(

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Illustrates the difference between fathering a child and actually being a dad.

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Strangely from these stories we're seeing, a lot more than we think! :(

11 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 0

I grew up with divorced parents, best thing they ever did for us. They were always immature but both my step parents were amazing and I try1

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

to be like them with MY stepson, he is my child in every way and I love him endlessly. He will always come first in my life, his needs 2

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

before mine or even his fathers; we put him first. My bio dad was lazy and turned out to be a molesting POS who is now a felon. Never talk 3

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

to him and have no care to. He wont admit what he did, still denies it. Molested my stepsis, aunt as a child...so many people. Step dad was4

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

As someone who's father never wanted him, some people just aren't cut out for it. Nothing to do with you, totally them. Glad you realized it

11 years ago | Likes 108 Dislikes 2

You're MUCH better than he thinks you are anyways.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

@MindlessGuyAtTheHelm...glad you realised it too.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Sometimes I still have to talk myself out of being upset over why I wasn't good enough for my dad. I can't always talk myself out of it.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I need to realize this. I still get butthurt here and there.

11 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Yeah, tell me about it. I tried to meet my father who wanted me to be a girl, and really try to have a father-son-relationship. But no.. no.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Odd for a father to prefer a daughter over a son, but I'm sorry. Here's to not wasting time!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah, my mom had a small girl before me, a few years prior, she died to unknown causes at a few months old... Maybe it made him flip.. Dunno

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Most likely :/ I'm my father's firstborn and first daughter. Never had the father-daughter relationship these TV shows make look amazing

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

When they don't want you, don't waste your time on them..

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I realized this years ago. Was the best part of moving on. Now he's just a sperm donor haha

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I call mine that too, except in this post because of space.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Going to meet my baby, who is now 15, in a couple weeks and I'm so nervous! I can only hope that I heal wounds instead of creating them

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Late to the party, but...If I may ask, how did it go? Curious as a fellow birthmom. Although, I have an open adoption relationship.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Sorry, just saw this. It went well. We haven't communicated much since then, but the most important part for me was her meeting my parents.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My daughter is the only granddaughter. I'm glad that I met her because now if she has any questions she won't have to wonder for years

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My mom thought it was a horrible idea that I meet her, but now they can start to build a relationship of their own.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My mom kicked me out of her house because her boyfriend of two weeks didn't like me. I don't have parents like you. I'm happy for you OP. <3

11 years ago | Likes 961 Dislikes 3

My mom left me living alone to go live with a 1 month boyfriend. I also don't have parents like hers...

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

she was looking for an excuse, any excuse.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

She wanted me back once she learnt about child support, I assure you.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

This happened to my friend too. She had to hop from dorm to dorm in order to stay in school and eventually had to drop out.

11 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

Oh my goodness, I hope she's doing okay... I know for me personally support and love was a huge help. I hope you're giving her just that.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I did although I was away at school myself. She never did finish :( seems happy though.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Ah, very good :)

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That's harsh. I hope you're doing OK

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Thank you for caring, I'm okay. My father isn't much better, but I'm planning on moving out soon!

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Make sure your economically sounds enough to do it! Don't make decisions you can't hold up long term

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Don't worry, I'm going to set things right for myself. :)

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That's so fucked up.

11 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

I'm sorry man :(

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Thank you so much.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah but dude, you were 35 years old!

11 years ago | Likes 116 Dislikes 6

The boyfriend wanted to be called dad, so he dropped that motherfucker.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

.

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 20

Why do people downvote this what do you care

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 11

That made me laugh, thanks for that. But if anyone was wondering I was 11 at the time.

11 years ago | Likes 55 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh my god, what kind of scum, I mean she is your mom but really, your own child? At 11? That's some real douchbaggery.

11 years ago | Likes 34 Dislikes 0

Yeah, I wasn't really effected by it for a long time. It started to get to me though.

11 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

I feel for you, it's terrible that you had to go through something like that. :(

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

How old are you now?

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I'm going to be 17 soon. Hopefully moving out before my birthday.

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Hopefully, wishing you a happy birthday for then fam. <3

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

You need to move out and get a real job Brennan

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

He's a chiken, lol.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I'm 17, too. I had to leave/was kicked out at 14. I feel you, bub. Hope you're getting the support you need <3

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's always unimaginable to hear stories like this, wish you all the best in life :3 where are you from btw?

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I live in Edmonton AB it's in Canada. There's about a million people here but both my parents were born in other countries.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I hope he dumps her.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

They aren't together, but they've been on and off a lot.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My dad kicked me out because I deleted NCIS off the DVR

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

No fucking way...

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes. I think he was just wanting to kick me out for any reason and her just picked that one cause cause there was nothing else

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My mom's bf doesn't like me either, he has been trying to kick me out for years when I was living with them.

11 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

As long as someone is there for you, and if you stay strong everything will be okay. Stay strong ginangu, you're better than him anyways. :P

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Thank you!

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

With someone like that, you're better off without her. Whattacunt.

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

It's sad but true. My mom is horrible and I honestly hate her. I just wish I had the parents who loved me, you know?

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

love by obligation is quite worthless, to be loved by those that don't have to is what makes life beautifull

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My dad kicked me out once because he thought I was partying (I was sick and worn out from school and work) and once for "mumbling" (my mom

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

could hear me in the next room). But that's when he was drinking heavily.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I'm so sorry, not all parents are amazing. My dad drinks a lot too. You're not alone. Stay around people who love you, that's real family.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

My boyfriend's family is like a real family to me. His mom had alcholic parents as well so she's great to talk to.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That is so horrible. I hope you are in a happy & loved place now!

11 years ago | Likes 164 Dislikes 0

Thank you, I live with my father and it isn't so good, but I'm planning on moving in with friends where I can get the support I need!

11 years ago | Likes 53 Dislikes 0

Do that. Don't let your parents attitudes define who you are, or their inability to love like people should love. Everyone deserves kindness

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Thank you :)

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Well wish you the best of luck then!

11 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Thank you.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

When all the hope is gone, at the darkest moment of your life, even a small ray of light shines the brightest, everything will be alright.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0