Walk away

I made a decision in my thirties to walk away from the dysfunction that was perpetrated by my father. He passed away a few months ago without a word passing between us. I have no regrets. I gained my freedom by walking away and I have the ultimate freedom with his passing. 

To have remained in the toxicity that was his way would have hampered my personal growth. I felt a profound sense of relief when I no longer felt threatened to "keep my mouth shut". It took years of healing for me to realize that I didn't need to carry around his secrets any longer. They died with him.

It's not necessary to feel loyalty to someone because they are "family". Recognize that anyone who loves you without conditions IS your family. <3