Hi Princess,<p>I'd first like to say I know a little about how you feel. I have three sisters and a brother. <p>My dad always wanted a boy, he gave up on the fourth girl and named her after him. He seemed to favor her and she always seemed to be just perfect for him because she was even a tomboy. <p>I can tell you though, he did not have a great relationship with any of us growing up.<p>I always envied what relationship he did have with my younger sister though. I always felt that he shouldn't treat her better. It drove me nuts at times.<p>When I was a teenager, mom announced she's pregnant again. So incredibly after 4 girls, she had a boy, and he was also named after my dad.<p>Well, my dad use to tell us things like, because "brother" is so much younger and we are more established he is going to will to him all the personal property and money he has when he dies. He even told us this after my brother was an adult. Of course, this would hurt my sisters and me. He didn't seem to get that he had 5 children, not one.<p>As I learned to accept his favoritism and grew closer and closer to my dad over the last few years, I noticed my dad changing his point of view. Just last week my dad said, "I've been thinking about the houses and things I own. I have five children, I love you all, and I want each of you to have an equal share of what I have earned.<p>It felt good to hear my dad say that. Even if it did take so many years.<p>My dad just hasn't changed his point of view. He has also matured alot. I see him with his grandchildren and he has the type of relationship I wish he would have had with me as a child but I'm so glad he finally got it together for his grand children. He seems to treat each of them equally. They all love their "papa" so much. <p>My dad use to drink alot. He still drinks but not nearly as much. <p>Your dad may never get it, he may get it when he is older, but you need to remember how very, very special you are and that no one, not even your parents need to tell you this, it's something you already know. I have a feeling you are a lot like your mother, I bet you have her spirit, her strength and her fire. That will get you so far in life. This will help you cope with life's sadness and enjoy life's blessings.<p>About the shoes...If you do get a chance to go to your dad's place, try to think ahead to the things you will need in the future, like shoes and clothes, ask your dad if you can start earning money by helping with household chores, so you can save for things you need. He may or may not go for that. <p>I don't know your age but you can also ask neighbors to babysit for money, if not now, then in a few years, and BOY would I love it, if my children would do extra chores for money!<p>It's hard when your dad doesn't get it yet, but know what you can and can't control and work on those things you can control.<p>Good luck to you and write on MB anytime...with your mom's permission, of course. [img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img] <p>ANNA