A New Ending to an Old Story

A few weeks ago, I reunited with my dad
Soon after, we visited him in Waco
I hoped we could make a new start
But it was not to be

I can forgive a lot of things
I can put aside past hurts
I can find compassion and empathy
And understand others viewpoints

But understanding past hurts is different
Than allowing it to continue
That is a form of abuse
and that I will not tolerate

So, today I ended my relationship with my dad

He walked away from me 3 times
When I was a baby, when I was a teen and when I was a young adult
This time, I walked away

A new and final ending to an old and tortured story