...would give me a chance.

Many times I would try to argue a point or explain my position, and because my father had already made up his mind, there was no point trying to convince him otherwise.

It's incredibly frustrating when a child is trying to speak and a parent won't listen or assumes they already know. A child will not open up to a parent as a result.

Parents need to take the time to not only hear their children but to listen to them.

...didn't have to work so hard.

I appreciate all my dad's hardwork and his committment to his family, but I wish he didn't have to work so hard.

Time, once lost, you never get it back.

...told me the wishes he had for me.

Although it's difficult to discuss feelings, I wish my dad had told me some of the wishes he had for me.

Fathers risk disappointment when they wait until their children are grown to let them know their expectations.

...wasn't so quick to judge.

So many times, my father has acted on what he saw or heard instead taking the time to find out, to get to know.

He might have been surprised and found something he liked, admired or respected.

...laughed with me more.

Although it did not happen often, I enjoyed a good laugh with my father.

Laughing tells a child, everything will be alright.

...supported me with his words.

'You can do it', 'we'll get through this', 'I believe in you', 'don't give up'.

The right words make all the difference in the world.

...realized he was the first man in my life.

Being the first man in my life, the relationship I have with my father sets the precedence for all intimate relationships I have with men.

An absentee father of a young girl will cause her in later years to try and fill that void, in her relationships with men, even if that man is abusive.

A happy and loved young girl, will look for those same qualities in a man when she is looking for a husband.