[Animal]

Sauceman,

I'm very impressed with your maturity and responsibility for someone of your age (18, I assume). I left home when I was 15, shortly after graduating high school (I was somewhat gifted.) As soon as I was 14, I took a job at the local McDonalds and my father decided that since I was earning money, I should learn the value of such and pay rent.
I turned 16 that summer, got my drivers license, bought a '75 vega for $100 and moved to Vancouver to attend SFU. Life was hard, really hard. I had to work full time during the evening to pay for my bills, sometimes only being able to get a few hours of sleep a week.
I graduated with my degree, pursued a Masters as well, but I always hated my father for being so hard on me. I never talked to him since I left home. I attended his funeral 12 years later when I was 27 and now regret not having a relationship. The man I am today, I owe to my father, and although I hated him for being so hard on me, I hate myself more for not telling him just how much I loved him despite our differences. He died after two strokes and three heart attacks, and during his last hours he asked to see me. I refused. That was the biggest mistake of my life.
My mother told me that he was proud of me, and what I'd become. She'd say that he was constantly bragging about my success to anyone who would listen, but would never swallow his pride long enough to call me.

Dad, if you're watching. I love you. Thank you so very much for everything you taught me.