Ryder’s 18th birthday should have been special, but his father’s absence was a letdown. Despite years of trying to gain his father’s attention, Ryder was heartbroken when his dad chose a fishing trip over his big day.

Growing up, Ryder’s parents divorced when he was eight. His mother explained, “Sometimes grown-ups just can’t live together anymore.” While his mom worked hard to provide for him, his father remained distant, often prioritizing fishing trips over family time.

For his 18th, Ryder hoped his father would finally show up. After texting, “I’ll try to be there,” Ryder’s father failed to attend, instead calling from the lake with a casual “Happy birthday!” Ryder felt devastated and retreated to his room, comforted only by his mother.

When his father later gifted him a fishing rod, Ryder realized it symbolized his father’s continued absence. He decided it was time to stop seeking his father’s approval and focus on those who genuinely cared about him, like his mom and friends.