This morning, most people were opening presents under their trees with their close family and people they love. Just count yourself lucky and know that some people aren't as fortunate as you. Some people didn't have presents. Some didn't have family. Some didn't have both. I didn't ask for anything for Christmas this year. I didn't want anything, I just wanted to be close to my family. I just wanted a hug from my dad, who has basically gone MIA. He refuses to see me or my family. He says he hates my mother. I just wanted a hug. That's all I wanted. I wanted to bury my head against his chest and smell his sweater and just feel safe and know that everything was okay. But no. I had to play the parent today. I had to give everyone else all the fancy presents. I had to work overtime to provide for my family and pay the bills. I had to drive my family to visit relatives. I had to do all of that and it's just not fair. I'm 16. Why can't I just play the role of a teenage daughter. Why can't I have controlling, bossy, unfair parents who watch my every move and make my life miserable. Why can't I have parents. Who are married. Who love each other. Why can't I have a family. I just want a family. A functional one, not a dysfunctional one.

I have always gotten what I wanted for Christmas. But this year, all I got was a broken heart.

I miss you dad. I just wish you would come home.