Amanda-Grace

How did you get connected with The Fatherless Daughter Project?

I learned about TFDP from my Mom who went to high school with Ms. Denna.  My Mom shared some things from the website with me last year. I told her I wanted to be a part of the project because I am like Ms. Denna. I am also a fatherless daughter.

Can you tell us in a few sentences about your personal story of father loss?

My parents divorced when I was just a baby so growing up I never knew my father.  My father picked me up one day for his visitation and brought me back home several hours later.  After that visit, he made the choice not to see me again and not to be a part of my life.  I was just a year old.

What has been the biggest challenge being fatherless?

One of the biggest challenges for me was watching my big brother go visit his father and wondering why I couldn’t go too.  Sometimes I get jealous when I hear my friends talk about their fathers, but I’m getting better at that.

What has helped you to survive?

My Mommy and my brother have helped me by making me feel loved and protected.   My Mommy always picks me up when I fall.  My Mommy shared her “Daddy” with me. I mean he was my Granddaddy, but he let me call him, “Daddy.”  When Father’s Day comes, I always make something for my Granddaddy and that is helpful to me.

Is there a special person(s) in your life that has helped you find healing?

My Granddaddy was the most special person to me.  He was like a father to me, and I loved being able to call him when I was sad because he could always make me laugh.  My Granddaddy made me feel like I was the most important girl in the world and I didn’t feel like I didn’t have a father.  He was my “Daddy,” and now that he is in Heaven I know that I will always have my very own angel.

Where do you shine?

I shine in my heart.  I’m very little, but my heart is super big and there is enough room in there to love and care for everyone.

What would you tell your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to be brave and to be strong because it doesn’t matter if you have a father or not, God is your Father, and He knows what He’s doing.

If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

I do have a theme song, and it so special to me.  It is called “Dirt Road Prayer” by Lauren Alaina.  I feel like that song was written for me. You should listen to it.

How do you hope to make a difference in the world?

I would like to make a difference in the world by sharing my story and being there for other fatherless daughters if they ever need someone to talk to.

Fill in the blank: “The most amazing thing about my life is _______________.”

I am only 11-years-old, and I know that being fatherless doesn’t have to stop me from being who I want to be.  I can use being fatherless to make me stronger.  Just because my father chose to abandon me doesn’t mean that I have to grow up feeling like I didn’t get treated fair.  I have had a good life so far, and I know that it will only get better as I get older.  I think that being fatherless is kind of like a gift.

Thanks, Amanda-Grace. We are stronger with you in our sisterhood!