It was the day I realized how different my life could have been if my father had been home. I was about nine years old when I went to play at a friend’s house after school. Jessica was the prettiest and smartest girl in our third-grade class. Almost every Friday, we’d play a multiplication flashcard game, and she’d always win. I remember trying and trying, but she always beat me to the answer. She was a good friend, and while I was happy for her, I was disappointed that I never won.

Then came that day. I was at her house, and we went into her dad’s office. On his desk, I saw a big stack of colorful multiplication flashcards.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Oh, those are my flashcards. My dad practices multiplication with me every night!”

In that moment, Jessica—without realizing it—broke my heart. I thought to myself, Oh, that’s why you’re better than me—because you have a dad, and I don’t.

That lie stuck with me for a long time. I began to expect less of myself, convinced I had a valid excuse for falling short.

Until I met Jesus.

Until I learned about my Heavenly Father—and that with Him, nothing was too hard or off-limits. With Him leading the way, I became the first person in my family to graduate college. But even better, with Him leading the way, I forgave my dad—and today, our relationship is restored.

My dad spent most of my childhood in and out of prison. But today, he’s home.

A few years ago, I didn’t know just how much I would need my dad. It was the year of my 35th birthday, and the last thing I wanted to do was celebrate. What no one knew was that I was walking through a painful, unwanted divorce. I had no desire or energy to celebrate anything—especially not my birthday.

That weekend, my dad invited me over. When I walked into his backyard, it was decorated. He was frying fish and said, “Happy Birthday, Mija!” He had a beautiful cake, and I was beside myself. It was the gift I didn’t know I needed—and redemption for all the birthdays my dad had missed. I needed him more that year than I could ever express.

I don’t know what your relationship is like with your father, but if it hasn’t been great, I want to tell you—it’s never too late. My relationship with my dad isn’t perfect. We’re both still learning how to have a father-daughter relationship. But all the hard parts are worth it. If your dad is still here on earth I encourage you to talk to your Heavenly Father about him. I sure am glad I did.

Love,

Your friend,

Reyna