[macgirl]

i'm trying to get something done at work, but i just wanted to say that i don't think you're being unreasonable at all, hayes. based on what you've described, i would feel the same way about my dad if he acted that way and hurt others as he has, and i would not include him in my life in any way, shape, or form. but to the part about how you feel you turned your back on him and that you may partly be at fault - that is so not true. he is your father - he was responsible for your well-being as you grew up and as the adult, he's supposed to know better and guide you to adulthood. he didn't do that. end of story. in fact, you grew up to be a smart man with a good head on his shoulders who knows wrong from right despite what your father did, and that speaks to your strength and character quite a bit.

if you feel like opening up the door for a reconciliation in the future, that's your choice. i've had some fall-outs with my parents that have been pretty bad and vowed that i would limit contact, but things can change over time. but i can understand if you don't see it as a possibility at any time in the near future, and that sounds like the best decision at this time.