I will never forget the moment I learned my father died. It seemed as if the world stopped moving, time stood still and “something” in me knew that I would never be the same again. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t think of him. I mean that literally. It can be the sound of keys or a football game. Memories of my daddy are in just about everything that I do.
My dad wasn’t perfect! He wasn’t the classic TV dad, who sat bedside reading stories. But he was there. I can see him standing shirtless in front of my bedroom mirror flexing imaginary muscles, while assuring me that I had the best looking dad of all my friends. Then there’s the time he almost fell over trying to do Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” lean! Favorite all time memory was him giving me “the talk” when I got my period (HELP ME JESUS!).
There are times when I miss him with a longing that goes so deep I don’t believe my heart can bear it. While I miss my daddy today, I am grateful for the 28 years he was physically present in my life. I wish everyone reading this column had a chance to meet him, because he was truly a one of a kind gem.
My father’s wisdom is engrained into my bones like marrow and the fact that once upon a time, I was so deeply loved by that handsome man just makes me smile. As simple as it may be, I’d like to tell you what my daddy means to me:
1.Dedication: Two days before my father died, we had a nearly three hour phone conversation. Though we used to talk often, that was a marathon for us. I realize now that call was a gift from God. In that moment, I got to tell him that I was always sure of his love for me and I knew that as long as he and Mama were alive, I always had a place to call home. When we love people we need to let them know we have their back.
2. Affection: My father taught me to respect myself as a woman. One morning as he dropped me to school, we drove by a couple who couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other. As the young man groped the woman’s body, my father looked over and told me, “If I ever caught you acting like that, I’d kill him and you.” He taught me that I am to be valued and cherished—not objectified.
3. Direction: My father was a very wise man. He understood human nature on a fundamental level. Growing up, I thought he talked too much and found his little sayings often grated on my nerves. But years after his death, I can access the database of things he taught me to make a good decision. Even now in my 40s, my daddy helps me to treat people kindly, have the right attitude and choose the right company. He knew how to sum up life, people and situations in a nutshell. He made it simple and plain, which now helps me eliminate a lot of drama and confusion.
Happy Father’s Day to all of my brothers and the special men in my life! I would also like to send well wishes to all the fathers I’ve never met, but you are making the difference in the lives of your children—young and old.
Named eWomenNetwork’s first “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker,” Coach Felicia is a Certified Executive Coach who empowers her clients to “Turn their Worth into Wealth” as she partners with them to DISCOVER their WORTH, DO their WORK and DEFINE their WEALTH. Get more insight, download the FREE “8 Choices Winners Must Make” seminar MP3 at www.coachfelicia.com!