How I Stopped Protecting My Dad

And healed from generational trauma.

Photo credit: Briana G.

Over two years have passed since I last came home to visit dad. In that time, we have called each other a handful of times. If I had to, I would guess that we’ve spoken a total of two hours in two years. This reality — that our relationship is not what I want it to be — breaks my heart every time I’m confronted by it.