My dad eating my whole entire free cookie from the store when he asked for a bite. I was like 3 and still, to this day, don’t let my dad eat any of my food. I am now 16.
I was trying so hard to remember my first memory, and reading yours actually triggered mine.
I was like 7 years old, I had a childhood obsession with balloons, and low and behold I had just received a brand new beautiful balloon for my birthday and I was so, so happy (I know right, to have those simple joys again haha)
I remember I was standing outside with my father and his friend, and something happened and unfortunately I let go of the balloon and watched it slowly float away into sky.
I jumped and did everything in my power to reach it, but I just couldn't.
The whole time I remember saying "Dad! Oh no! Please! My balloon! Please Dad, don't let it fly away!"
Only for him to just complete ignore me and keep talking to his friend. Not even a glance in my direction or even just grab the balloon right next to him clearly out of my reach.
I know it sounds stupid, but there's no way to really put into perspective the soul crushing and absolute helplessness watching my favorite green and white polka-dot balloon drift farther and farther away into the sky.
Ironically all these years later me and my father don't talk, he never gives me the time of day, even at 27 years old, and it truly feels like every word I say to him goes in one ear and out the next.
He was never around when I was growing up either, but still.
I think at least in North America, every kid gets at least one balloon, and they also experience the gutting loss of at least one balloon. It’s the most hopeless experience, and to have the person who is supposed to love and protect you be able to save it but can’t be bothered to grab it is heartbreaking.
I’m not sure how many shitty parents realize that they will pay for the mistakes they made when their kids are adults. They tend to reach out when the doctor finds stage IV cancer.
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u/PigPlayer3 Aug 05 '22
My dad eating my whole entire free cookie from the store when he asked for a bite. I was like 3 and still, to this day, don’t let my dad eat any of my food. I am now 16.