Turning 18 is supposed to be a milestone, a celebration of stepping into adulthood. But for Ryder, his 18th birthday was anything but joyful. Instead, it became a painful reminder of his father’s absence and the emotional distance that had grown between them over the years.
Ryder’s parents divorced when he was just eight years old. His mother worked tirelessly as a teacher to provide for him, while his father became increasingly distant, prioritizing fishing trips with friends over spending time with his son. Despite this, Ryder held onto hope that his father would eventually show up for him—especially on his 18th birthday.
The day arrived, and Ryder’s mom went all out to make it special. She decorated the house, baked his favorite cake, and even surprised him with a new guitar. Friends gathered, and the house was filled with laughter. But as the hours passed, there was no sign of Ryder’s dad. When Ryder finally called him, his father casually replied, “Oh, right. Happy birthday! I’m out on the lake with the guys. I’ll catch you later, okay?”
The words stung. Ryder retreated to his room, feeling invisible and unimportant. A week later, his father called, offering a belated gift—a fishing rod. “We can go fishing together sometime!” he said enthusiastically. But to Ryder, the gift was a painful reminder of the very thing that had kept his father away.
That moment marked a turning point for Ryder. He realized he couldn’t keep chasing after someone who couldn’t be there for him. Instead, he focused on the people who truly cared—his mom, his friends, and himself. He poured his energy into his music and found strength in the love and support around him.
The fishing rod remains untouched in his closet, a symbol not of loss, but of growth. Ryder learned to let go of what he couldn’t change and to value the relationships that truly mattered.
