- Feb 9, 2001
- 7,136
- 2,071
Father's Day 2003 will soon arrive. When you think of your father, what immediately comes to mind?
I'm sure many of us have fond memories of our fathers and some of us don't. Either way, has knowing or not knowing your father made some type of impact on your life?
Is there good reason today to celebrate African American fathers? After all, we often hear so much negative "stuff" about them through the media and even amongst ourselves. They've been called by many uncomplimentary names: "sperm donor", "absentee", "no good", "irresponsible", and the list goes on and on.
Everyone knows that not ALL men who become fathers fit those descriptions. Most men can father a child, but being fertile doesn't make him a parent. Aaaahhh, fathers as parents. How good are they at parenting their children? Sometimes, I don't think we appreciate them until they're gone from us.
A year ago my father died. My favorite name for him was "Pop"! I always called him that. I never realized how close we were until he was gone. We used to chat a lot and about so much. He was a gentle man, but firm at the same time. You didn't want to cross him. My boyfriends discovered that much to their shock and horror!
I used to get really upset when Pop would watch over me like a hawk. I couldn't get away with much of anything. *lol* He was extremely protective of me and I didn't understand then why that was. Years later after I had my own child, I discovered the answer. I miss that about my dad. It was always comforting knowing he was there for me no matter what.
I'm glad to have known him; proud to have had him as my Pop, and I'm extremely thankful that I got the opportunity to tell him that and I loved him before he passed away.
Let's pay tribute to the fathers that deserve it...and here's to you Pop!
Peace
http://www.gendercenter.org/aafathersprotect.htm
I'm sure many of us have fond memories of our fathers and some of us don't. Either way, has knowing or not knowing your father made some type of impact on your life?
Is there good reason today to celebrate African American fathers? After all, we often hear so much negative "stuff" about them through the media and even amongst ourselves. They've been called by many uncomplimentary names: "sperm donor", "absentee", "no good", "irresponsible", and the list goes on and on.
Everyone knows that not ALL men who become fathers fit those descriptions. Most men can father a child, but being fertile doesn't make him a parent. Aaaahhh, fathers as parents. How good are they at parenting their children? Sometimes, I don't think we appreciate them until they're gone from us.
A year ago my father died. My favorite name for him was "Pop"! I always called him that. I never realized how close we were until he was gone. We used to chat a lot and about so much. He was a gentle man, but firm at the same time. You didn't want to cross him. My boyfriends discovered that much to their shock and horror!
I used to get really upset when Pop would watch over me like a hawk. I couldn't get away with much of anything. *lol* He was extremely protective of me and I didn't understand then why that was. Years later after I had my own child, I discovered the answer. I miss that about my dad. It was always comforting knowing he was there for me no matter what.
I'm glad to have known him; proud to have had him as my Pop, and I'm extremely thankful that I got the opportunity to tell him that and I loved him before he passed away.
Let's pay tribute to the fathers that deserve it...and here's to you Pop!
Peace
http://www.gendercenter.org/aafathersprotect.htm