My dad and I had always had a loving relationship. We usually saw eye to eye, so when I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I thought he would support me. This, however, was not the case.

I was tired and afraid, but with Easter a week away, I reached out to my family to say that I wanted to proceed with festivities, which included an Easter egg hunt and a brunch. All my family members responded yes except my father. All I received from him was a card that said, “I will not make the Easter brunch this year.” It was signed “Dad.” He gave me no explanation, even though he knew I was going through a rough time. I was hurt and confused. I didn’t know what I had done wrong. I thought that if he would just speak to me, we could fix whatever had happened.

My efforts to talk with him after the Easter celebrations were fruitless. I was a busy mom and wife and needed time to study and pray. I wanted my dad to have my back and help me out. But he ignored me and my calls for help. I had no idea that this would go on for six years.