My father, Franklin Camden, spent much of my life paying attention to my brothers while overlooking me.
As a child, I noticed it in small ways.
I would spend hours making Father’s Day gifts, only to watch them receive little attention. My brothers’ interests, achievements, and activities seemed to naturally command his enthusiasm. Their victories became family stories. My successes often passed with little comment.
For years, I kept hoping things would change.
When I earned strong grades, completed an accounting internship, or reached personal milestones, part of me still looked toward my father, waiting for some sign that he was proud.
The sign never came.
At Thanksgiving one year, I shared news about a software startup I had been building. The conversation barely lasted a moment before shifting to one of my brother’s business ventures.
I remember feeling disappointed.
I also remember realizing that I could spend the rest of my life chasing approval that might never arrive.