My relationship with my father is similar to that. He raised me, my mom left before my 4th birthday.
Growing up, we were close, but he was very emotionally abusive. It wasn't on purpose, it's just the
way he is... When I turned 17, he basically moved in with his girlfriend, and left me in the house
we lived in for about 4 or 5 months until the lease was up. Then I moved in with my mom...
I had been talking with her for a few years, and we became kind of close.
Now that I'm 27, my father has recently come back in to my life, but I don't feel close to him at all.
I have underlying resentment, and he still makes promises he can't, or doesn't intend to keep.
But my relationship with my mother is perfect now. We talk every day, even though she lives across
the state from me. She's my best friend now.
I'm sorry you've had to experience this type of relationship with a parent.
Kids should never feel alienated from their parents... Parents are supposed to support,
uplift, and be there for their children. Being a parent is a full time, life long journey.
You don't stop being a parent because your child grew up, and moved out.
I wish every parent knew that, and I wish that no child would ever have a distant relationship
with their parents. But, unfortunately, some people just aren't cut out for it.