It took years before Matthew was even aware of the way that his dad leaving, at such a young age, was influencing him and all of his relationships.

His dad left when he was around 3 months old. “I met him for the first time when I was 25. To this day, I still do not have a relationship with him,” Matthew said.

Matthew spoke about being ill prepared for fatherhood and wanting to be taught. “I needed to be taught how to be the dad, especially considering the fact that I didn’t grow up with a father”.

The abandonment he felt throughout his life made a deep impact on him. It’s a subconscious thing. You don’t even know it. We can’t underestimate the impact that a father can have in our lives and the lives of our children.