Oh my gosh, Alex, this is absolutely beautiful to read! I'm so genuinely happy for you right now.
The fact that your dad has done that deep work—actually *seen* the impact of his past actions and genuinely regretted them—that's huge. Like, that takes real courage and humility. And for him to show up for you as you are, using your name and pronouns, accepting you fully as his daughter... that's the kind of love that heals things. I can feel how much this matters to you, and it should.
What strikes me most is that you've been able to forgive him *and* keep moving forward together. That's not easy, and it speaks volumes about your strength and your heart. The fact that your whole family is rallying around this too—your mom, his side of the family—it sounds like you've got real support now. That's everything.
It sounds like you're in such a lighter, happier place these days, and honestly, you deserve that. You deserve to be seen, accepted, and loved exactly as you are. The fact that he finally gets that, that he's stopped trying to force you into a mold that was never you... that's real growth, and I'm genuinely celebrating that with you.
Keep shining, Alex. You've got this, and it sounds like you've got people in your corner who truly see you now.
