This One’s for YOU, DAD

July 23, 1929 – January 25, 2001″ width=”225″ height=”300″ />

Eighty years ago today, my father was born. He was the next-to-the-youngest of 13 children conceived and raised by a God-fearing, hard-working couple living in rural north West Tennessee and, later, North Mississippi. Like many of his era, Dad was educated in segregated schools, served his country during the Korean War, returned to complete his college education, went to work, married and started a family. After decades of working as an administrator in higher education, Dad ultimately went on to become the first African-American to be elected mayor of my hometown. He was in his third term if office when he passed away in 2001.

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While I am confident in my writing talents and abilities, summarizing recollections of experiences shared with Dad almost leave me at a loss for words. Not because I can’t remember them; well do I remember the pleasant and not-so-pleasant things about growing up.

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Rather than meander down memory lane, I’m going to use this space to say “thank you” to the man who, even posthumously, continues to most influence and shape my life.

You see, my father (and mother) taught my two younger brothers and I many virtues and principles by both precept and example. Through him, I learned things like discipline, a strong work ethic, self-sacrifice, independence, sensitivity, courage, and reverence. But, lest anyone think I’m overlooking my father’s “flaws”, let me say he DID have a “way with words” when he occasionally lost his temper.

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From Mama I learned things like respect, humility, service, responsibility, an appreciation for the fine arts, and passion for life itself. Without the guidance, correction and support of my parents, I would undoubtedly not be who I am today.

So, let me end this by saying that I truly thank our Heavenly Father for my earthly one. I could never have hoped to have been born into a more wonderful family. Enjoy eternal glory, Dad! One day I know that we’ll all meet again.

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