Our Father's Day
left to right: Kathy, (rear) Daddy, Krystal, Kimberly
On this Father’s Day I’m happy to honor my Daddy by letting him know how much he is loved by his three daughters. My sisters and I are blessed to still have him in our lives even from a distance.
Daddy is blessed to be with us today and “still able to get up and take nourishment” as he would say. He is young in spirit. Daddy still has a strong voice. He laughs and is pleasant at the age of 84. His mantra: I’m doing good for a young man”. His memories are fading but are not gone. We choose to celebrate him and our memories of him today, now, in this moment.
We celebrate him for being a wonderful and dutiful Son to Wailey and Annie Beatrice born in Longview, Texas. Daddy is a scholar, athlete, decorated career officer - Colonel of the United States Army; a Quartermaster who’s final post was the Pentagon. Daddy served two tours of duty in Vietnam, traveled the world on behalf of this Country. With a stellar work ethic he retired at the age of 80 after his third career educating disabled and special needs children in Alexandria, Virginia. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; has a beautiful singing voice, he is a great dancer, car enthusiast and vintage collector and also a great cook who taught my mother to cook.
A quiet introverted man, my Father expressed his love by celebrating his daughters. He planted seeds in us with a kind strictness, encouragement, modeled discipline and self respect.
Daddy has checked off all the boxes for Black excellence. We have always been proud of him. But we have also missed him tremendously.
Due to life and distance we were unable to “live” with Daddy over a considerable amount of time. However, we are grateful to have our own personal memories that hold us close to him. We find joy and laughter to share no matter the gaps in our Father-Daughter relationships.
left to right: Kimberly, Kathy, Krystal - The K’s
Memories of the K’s - Holding on to Love
My sisters and I, the K’s (Kathy, Kimberly and Krystal) have our own special memories based on how old we were before our parents ultimately separated and divorced. I had the advantage of being the first born and had more time with him individually as a child and even as an adult. Our fondest memories include:
Kathy’s
coaching me to run the 50 yard dash and 400 yard relay in the 5th grade
how to ride the mini-bike he bought me in the 4th grade
watching football and golf together
grilling my birthday dinners of T-bone steak and baked potato
all night tutoring in math from the 3rd to 4th grade
coordinating my small wedding reception and sending me and my husband on our honeymoon
the first visitor at the births of his first and second grandchildren
gifted me and husband with funds for our first home ownership
Kim’s
visiting Daddy over the summer in Virginia
trip to Kings Dominion
swimming at the pool with Daddy
walking her down the isle at her wedding
attending her graduations from high school and college
love of vintage cars
gifted funds for her first individual home
Krystal’s
visits from Daddy during summers in Virginia and Michigan
attending graduation from high school
surprised her with first car
This is a short list. There are more but these stand out to us.
Daddy has provided for us when were in need of money for necessaries and emergencies while also passing on lessons on how to live within our means.
We have each taken parts of his natural spirit and physical resemblance. I share his love for gadgets and electronics and have his slanted eyes. Kim has his introverted, quiet storm personality and love for vintage cars. Krystal is well organized, neat, clean and has his sly sense of humor. We all share his somewhat squared chin and Krystal got his height.
Daddy aka “Young Man”
We hold onto our Daddy the best way we can and have been able. We appreciate all that he has done for us no matter how much time we have had with him - there is still more time to share.
Daddy, we have missed you but that’s why we have sweet memories to reflect and smile upon. We’ll see you soon.
Happy Father’s Day Daddy - we love you!