Turning 18 is a milestone, but for Ryder, it became a painful lesson in acceptance and self-worth.
Ryder’s parents divorced when he was young, and while his mother worked hard to provide for him, his father became increasingly absent. Fishing trips with friends took priority over spending time with his son. Despite this, Ryder held onto hope that his father would show up for his 18th birthday.
The day arrived, and Ryder’s mom made it special with decorations, cake, and a surprise guitar. Friends gathered, but as the hours passed, there was no sign of his dad. When Ryder called him, his father casually wished him a happy birthday and mentioned he was out on the lake with friends.
The disappointment was crushing. A week later, his father offered a belated gift—a fishing rod. “We can go fishing together sometime!” he said. But to Ryder, the gift was a painful reminder of his father’s absence.
That moment was a turning point. Ryder realized he couldn’t keep waiting for someone who couldn’t be there for him. He focused on the people who truly cared—his mom, his friends, and himself. He threw himself into his music and found strength in the love and support around him.
The fishing rod remains in his closet, untouched. It serves as a reminder of the resilience he gained and the importance of valuing the relationships that truly matter.
