Ryder’s 18th birthday was supposed to be a special moment, but his father’s absence left him devastated. Ryder grew up with divorced parents, his father always distracted by work, friends, and hobbies, especially fishing. Despite feeling neglected, Ryder still sought his father’s attention, hoping one day he would show up for him. As Ryder’s 18th birthday approached, he hoped this year would be different. He planned a small party with his mom and friends, texting his dad, who replied,

“I’ll try to be there.” But when the day arrived, there was no sign of his father. His mom went all out with decorations, a cake, and even a guitar he’d been wanting for months. Still, Dad was nowhere to be found. Ryder called him, only to hear his dad casually wish him a happy birthday while out on a fishing trip with friends. Ryder’s heart shattered as he retreated to his room, trying to hold back tears. A week later, his dad called, as though nothing happened, asking him to come pick up his gift. Ryder reluctantly agreed. When he arrived, his dad handed him a fishing rod,..uggesting they could fish together sometime. Ryder was crushed. It wasn’t just a bad gift—it was a reminder of his father’s absence and the life he’d always prioritized over Ryder. The fishing rod symbolized everything he had missed out on with his dad. Ryder realized that his father would never be his priority and that he needed to stop chasing someone who couldn’t be there for him. He focused on his mom,
his friends, and his own passions, like music. Over time, he let go of the fantasy of having a close relationship with his dad. Ryder found peace in the love around him, learning that his worth wasn’t tied to his father’s approval. The fishing rod still sat in his closet as a reminder of the lessons he’d learned: self-respect, resilience, and the importance of letting go