A Fatherless Son

I come from a fatherless world, a world of absence. A young fatherless boy is like a tree struggling to deepen its roots in wizened soil. "For a Fatherless Son," a poem written by Sylvia Plath, states that a fatherless child slowly becomes,"aware of an absence..." My father died when I was born from alcohol and drug addiction, and ever since his absence has been a presence within me. Although the absence of my father has been detrimental to my roots; I have been marked by adj. memories, relationships, and essential values.

My childhood felt rather incomplete. I can account for multiple, significant memories that I carried that were left unresolved. I faced the death of a loved one without the presence of a father. My grandma died from the illness

It seems a father's presence is all I needed in my freshman year. During my the end of my freshman year of high school, I injured my back playing football. My back injury became more severe; I found it difficult to walk. The pressure of high school and my health was crushing me: my mom was in a panicked state.

I was alone and missed three months of school with no idea what or how much material was taught. I needed a fatherly presence to talk to, to cry with, to help carry the pressure. In the midst of all this, several people have transformed me.

My uncle has always been there, having raised me as an infant. When he is around, I enjoy a fatherly presence that fills a void. Ken took me to my soccer games, was there for my basketball games, for my award ceremonies, and offered me advice. Valued friendships have also contributed to the filling of this void. My friend, Jonathan, has always been there when I needed a hand. He has constantly invited me to his home, to enjoy his and his family's company. By doing so, I have been able to feel welcomed and loved by a fatherly presence that is demonstrated through his family.

I have been able to use my relations with my peers