I Refuse to Forgive My Dad for the Truth He Hid From Me

Our reader always thought she had a close relationship with her dad, but when she found unexpected notes from her mom, everything changed. These notes, discovered long after her mom was believed to have disappeared, revealed a startling truth. What Emma had assumed to be a tight family bond was actually built on a lie. Read her story to learn how this discovery shook her world to its core.

Hello, Bright Side,

I (27F) always thought I had a strong connection with my family. We’re a small, close-knit group, and my dad raised me and my younger brother after our mom left when we were young. He was our rock, and I truly believed we were a team, facing everything together.

Last weekend, while helping my dad clean out his garage before his move to a smaller house, I stumbled across something unexpected. Tucked inside an old file cabinet, I found a collection of handwritten notes addressed to me, in my mom’s familiar handwriting, dated years after we were told she was gone.

I couldn’t help but read one of the notes. It was filled with love, apologies, and a promise that she’d tried repeatedly to reconnect with us. Other notes included old phone numbers, return addresses, and even pictures of her holding me as a baby pictures we’d been told were destroyed when the house had flooded years ago.

What I uncovered completely shattered what I had believed. My dad hadn’t kept us away from her to protect us; he had cut her off, against her wishes. He’d hidden her messages and photos, letting us grow up thinking she had walked away from us willingly.

It feels like everything I thought I knew about my family is now unraveling. I tried calling the number in her last note, but it was no longer in service, years disconnected. Still, it made me realize something I’d never considered before: the version of the story we were told was never the whole truth.

Now, I’m left wondering what happened. Where is she now? Why did Dad keep all of this from us? I can’t go on living my life the way I used to.

Best wishes,
Liza

Dear Liza,

It’s understandable that everything you believed about your family feels like it’s been turned upside down. This is a lot to absorb—the truth about your dad, the revelations about your mom, and the hidden past that you’re now uncovering.

• Don’t rush to find all the answers right away. Families are complex, and what you know today is just a piece of the puzzle that’s still shifting. While it’s painful to realize that you’ve been misled, it’s also possible that your dad thought he was doing what was best for you by keeping this information hidden.
• During times like this, it’s natural to crave clarity. But remember, it’s okay to sit with the uncertainty for a while. Focus on what you need right now, rather than pushing yourself to uncover everything in one go. Maybe start by journaling your thoughts—free-flowing, without any expectations. Writing can help you process your emotions so that you can think more clearly.
• It may also help to spend time with the people who are still in your life. While you may not have all the answers yet, the relationships you have now—whether with your dad, brother, or close friends—can provide a sense of stability as you navigate this emotional journey.
  It’s tempting to confront your dad immediately, but take a moment to breathe. This journey is not only for you to understand, but for him as well. You don’t have to figure it all out in one conversation.

Be patient with yourself during this process. It’s okay not to have everything figured out right now. Let the questions be there while you find your emotional balance.

Sending you strength and clarity,
Bright Side

Family memories should be filled with joy and laughter, but for some, they feel more like scenes from a thriller. Are they just vivid recollections—or is there something darker hiding beneath the surface? Read and decide for yourself: 11 Childhood Moments That Feel Straight Out of a Horror Movie