‘I’m pregnant dad…’ I was 18. You looked so mad. You two needed each other, even if you didn’t know it yet.’: Teen mom pens appreciation letter to dad, ‘I couldn’t imagine doing life without you’

“Dear dad, aka ‘papa.’

When I first found out I was pregnant at 18, I wasn’t scared to tell anyone. Only you.

I wasn’t scared to tell friends, other family, or the internet. I was scared to tell you.

I still remember sitting on my bed with mom, when you walked in and asked why I was crying.

I could barely get out the words, ‘I’m pregnant dad..’ before you hung your head in disappointment, and stormed off downstairs.

Mom hugged me and told me that you would come around.

I gave you a few minutes, and I walked downstairs.

You were sitting on the couch. You looked so mad.

I couldn’t find the words to say anything to you, so I just sat down beside you, and laid my head down on your shoulder, as I felt tears drip down my face.

Out of all the people I had to tell that I was pregnant, I was most scared to tell you.

And you were definitely the most disappointed.

But, when I came home the next day, and I saw you clearing out the guest room, for your soon to be granddaughter, I knew everything would be okay.

Six months later, you took me to every doctors appointment, when my boyfriend was working.

Seven months later, you helped me pick out a bringing home baby outfit.

Eight months later, you were there through my labor, and reminding me I could do this.

When she was born, you wouldn’t let her go. She became your world, along with me.

Six years later, you, papa, are my daughters world.

She wants to call you every chance she gets.

She wants to see you every time we go anywhere.

I know that out of everyone, you were the most disappointed when I announced I was pregnant at 18, but my daughter and I couldn’t imagine doing life without you.

And I know that you couldn’t imagine doing life without my daughter.

You two needed each other, even if you didn’t know it back then.”

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This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Caitlin Fladager. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.

Read more from Caitlin:

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