Hi, I’m Ryder. I recently turned 18, and while the day was special, it didn’t go exactly as I hoped.Growing up, my parents divorced when I was eight. My mom worked hard to raise me, and I’ll always be grateful for her love and dedication. My dad, on the other hand, was often busy with his hobbies—especially fishing.

For my 18th birthday, I planned a small party with Mom and my friends. I invited Dad too and hoped he’d be there. But instead, he went fishing with his friends. That hurt, but it also opened my eyes.Later, when he gave me a fishing rod as a gift, I realized he was inviting me into his world, but it wasn’t really about me. That’s when I understood something:

I can’t keep waiting for him to be the dad I wished for.Instead, I decided to focus on the people who show up—like my mom and my friends. I started putting my energy into music, school, and the relationships that truly matter.

The fishing rod still sits in my closet. Not as a sad reminder, but as a symbol of what I learned: sometimes people won’t meet your expectations, and that’s okay. What matters most is learning to value yourself and cherishing those who genuinely care for you.