If you are one that feels that Black Fathers are non-existent I feel for you, because mine was there. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he understood the importance of a Father to a Child & did what he could to be there. Knowing him like I do when he couldn't do all that he wanted to for us it hurt him deep, his tough exterior said otherwise, but he was a big softy on the inside & in no way COWARDLY.

He always told me when it was my time to choose my mate (as it is the WOMANS choice) always choose someone like him or better than him (he prefered better).  I've made my mistakes, but what has always brought me back was that advice. So sometimes I'm tough on the brothers because I've actually seen what a man is supposed to be & refuse less than. But he also told me when you have that mentality the weak ones run... He ain't never lied!(or at least not about THAT, lol)

When child-support would dwindle his check to $11 take home - did he give up? No, he hustled LEGALLY, second job, painting houses, cutting grass & STILL provided a home for all of his children to come to & know one another - THATS A FATHER. He never cried "poor me" he knew what he created & made the best of it. THAT'S A FATHER.

Keep in mind, he had 5 daughters, 1 baby momma, 2 ex-wives and a current wife with two step-sons, not to mention playing a huge father role in children's lives that he did not create - so if anybody ever wanted to run, it should have been him - BUT HE DID NOT.   Rest in Peace, Power and Prosperity Daddy - you more than anyone deserve that. Love you to the bone!

- originally written - Father's Day 2011