My Mother’s “Fairness” Ruined My Life

Before I was born, my parents made a deal: the first child would take Dad's last name, and the second would take Mom's.

They also agreed that no matter which name a child carried, both would be treated equally.

But the moment I actually took my mother's surname, my father changed his tune.

He poured every ounce of his energy and every dollar he had into my older brother.

And for me, he had exactly one line:

"You took your mother's name. You're her problem."

Dorothy Sawyer fought him over it. She screamed, she argued, she begged. But Dad did whatever he wanted, same as always.