My father wasn't around growing up. He was as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle. My mother never said anything bad about him, but nothing good either. We weren't even allowed to mention his name. My oldest brother told me he was Bruce Lee. I knew Bruce Lee was dead, so that was painful. He had a Chinese statue and said that our dad's spirit was in it. I was a kid who didn't believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny (wtf IS that??) but I believed that my dad was trapped in a wood carved souvenir.
I met my father when I was 17. He had been locked up most of my life. I had heard murmurs from my aunt, but that was the first confirmation. I didn't know how to react. He had hands small like mine and my brother. He was brown and had a very dry sense of humor. He was cool. The epitome of cool. I stayed with him the Summer of 2006 when I went up top for Harlem Book Fair. He told me stories about my mother as a kid (they were childhood sweethearts) that made me understand her much better, and stories about him that made me understand myself. He was the first person who told me I needed to stop burning...and it had made sense. Took it a few years to sink in though (Smile)
Even though he had missed my entire childhood, the way he spoke was like he knew everything I had endured, everything that shaped me, and everything that could make me a better me. He was proud of my accomplishments and encouraging of my dreams.
Since Pops wasn't around, my mom had remarried and gave us a new father figure. I had a step-dad who beat me every morning for not eating breakfast and every night at dinner. I got beaten for forging my mom's signature on my report card and failing my multiplication tables tests. I got beaten for not turning off the kettle fast enough when it whistled. I got beaten for throwing away a "Number 1 Dad" mug I bought for him for Xmas because I had just got a beaten. The rattle of a drawer still sends shivers up my spine as I brace for the beatings I used to receive as a child.
But...
My step-father combed my hair everyday, washed my clothes, taught me how to iron, had food prepared (even if I hid it in napkins) and curbed my television watching so that I could become an adult who reads, writes, and creates. He was consistent with his discipline, I never got a beaten for "no reason." And he was home every night.
Let's celebrate the good fathers, the OK dads, and the ones who were at least there for us. No parent is perfect, but by constantly condemning them, we will never appreciate the good they did provide.
Here is the video for Father Father by NYOIL. Enjoy, shed a few tears, and share with friends and family. Seems we all know mothers, but how many fathers do we know? We can instill pride in our men by encouraging them to BE good fathers, showing them there ARE good fathers. It's up to us to be the change we want to see in the world. The revolution starts in the home.
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. SATURDAY, JULY 6The JUST RE'D UP TourYGDoe BoyDJ Vision@ Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., OaklandDoors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM…See More
Freihung, Bavaria, Germany — Mixed signals in a relationship can become challenging and overwhelming in trying to maintain or creating a respectful and pleasant relationship.Mixed signals happens more often than not in relationships that hides their partner’s true intentions which can become confusing and devastating.Getting to know your partner’s true intentions first in a relationship can save you much headaches and problems in the long run.Research has shown that the aftermath of a breakup…See More
With roots deeply embedded in music royalty, amillionsons has curated a stellar lineup of vocalists for their highly anticipated “Misti Blu Two” single. Renowned singer Taka Boom, who is most notably known for her work with George Clinton’s Parliament, Undisputed Truth and musical icon Prince, brings her powerhouse vocals to the forefront adding a layer of soul, depth, and harmony that captivates you from beginning to end. With the help of her big sister, 10 time Grammy Award winner and Rock…See More
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. SATURDAY, JULY 20 Hiatus Kaiyote@ Fox Theater, OaklandDoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm…See More
NorthEnd Empire Films LLC presents "Irresponsibull" movie. Allen is ready to settle down. Only his girlfriend Theresa doesn’t think he’s anywhere close to being responsible enough to start a family. When an unexpected opportunity arises for Allen to keep Theresa’s nephew and niece (Brian and Britt) and prove his maturity, he jumps to it…without knowing these two kids are not your average youngsters. Marcus is a low level scam artist that works for his uncle, the most “dangerous construction…See More
You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!
Join True Skool Network