The author recounts their childhood experiences with their father, a recovering alcoholic who replaced his substance addiction with a compulsion for stealing. This behavior, witnessed by the author during their formative years, created a complex relationship marked by both love and shame. The author vividly recalls a moment at Kohl's where a theft led to feelings of betrayal when their father remained silent during a confrontation with security. After their father's death, the author struggled with their identity and fell back into stealing, believing that material possessions would fill an emotional void. A moment of reflection in a Nordstrom fitting room prompted a turning point, leading the author to confront their inherited shame and seek a more fulfilling life. They ultimately embraced their flaws and found strength in self-acceptance, breaking the cycle of addiction and shame that had plagued their family.