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My Dad Died When I Was 26. Here’s What I Learned About Forgiveness.
3 uncomfortable truths I had to accept.
“Your dad has cancer.”
“He isn’t doing well and doesn’t have much time left. You should fly out here as soon as you can.”
After not having spoken to my dad in almost 2 years, this was the call I received from his partner one night, in late 2016.
He and I had a very strained relationship my whole life.
Years of alcoholism and abuse tarnished the father-son bond.
But, I booked a last-minute flight to California and was there before midnight on the same day to see him.
His partner had warned me of his extreme weight loss from his cancer and that he showed signs of dementia.
I walked into the hospital room and could barely recognize him.
120 pounds and emaciated, I only knew it was him from his medical bracelet.
He also didn’t recognize me at first. Thought I was his brother.
“It’s Matt. Your son,” I told him.
It started to click for him and he remembered me.
He wasn’t expecting to see me, so he was in complete shock.
