Daddy, I Love You

-



Yesterday my dad turned 60. For many reasons this was a very cool day.

To begin, my dad and mom broke up early on when my mom was pregnant with me. Growing up I don’t ever recall spending my dads birthday with him. It was like most holidays where I send the obligatory “Happy ____________” with an accompanying photo or heart. 


Last week I just had a burning  urge to be sure I went to see him in Climax, Ga (yes that is a real city). I did and it was great. I never got my dad a birthday gift or birthday card. This year I did and I must say it was a ton of fun shopping for things he would enjoy. 


His house recently burned down and they (he and his spouse) lost all their things. I decided to get him a nice casual jacket as well as a dri fit shirt that will keep him cool when he is working outside. I also got him some cologne, card, pics (of course of me his beautiful daughter), and some money. Like me, well maybe I’m like him, my dad is selfless and believes in taking care of those he loves. I wrote him a note to tell him NOT to spend the money on anyone but himself. I hope he complies! 


Needless to say,  he was surprised and happy to see me, grateful for the gifts, and overjoyed that 3 of his 4 kids were all under one roof for his birthday (the oldest was at work). I was simply happy. 


For years, my dad struggled with a substance abuse addiction. He is clean and has been for a couple years. Yesterday was the longest conversation I have had with him while he was sober in years and I must say my dad is a pretty cool guy. When he was in active addiction I always had a tough time understanding him because he stuttered so much. Yesterday, not so much. I was able to see his compassion, concern and tenderness towards his kids. As well as his interest in living a peaceful life.  

Anyways , all I’m trying to say is my Daddy turned 60 and I was able to share that moment with him. 


I love you Daddy

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The perfect blog post

-
The perfect blog post does not exist. I’m stuck. I’m trying to figure out how to make my blog posts interesting, dynamic, and educational. Seems to me I’d rather make videos to share my experiences in this class. I just finish reading the assignments for this week and I am interested in seeing what new things I will learn. I recently had a conversation with an old classmate and he told me I was not technologically inclined. To that my response was, “I’m just traditional”. I suppose this blog is just about me exploring thoughts pertaining to how this class will shape my daily functioning and my use of tools to assist me in personal goals. I also need to up my game. You know it seems that it takes me a little longer to explore new things when my intent is to learn and master what I’ve learned. So typically that ends up leaving me a little mentally drained. However, I’m looking to allow this Experience to be fun and exciting. For now, signing off. Tiffany
Read more

What Does your Silence Mean ?

-
Image
So, as an African American female employed at a PWA (predominately white agency) there is a loud silence that I simply cannot ignore. Daily I wonder, “Do you see me?“ “Is the pain I experience noticeable to you in any way?” “Is there any concern that maybe I am in emotional distress?” Then there is this Private rehearsal, “So if they ask, what am I going to say? How do I say it? What do I want them to do differently ? Am I being objective? “ Each day I have meetings online with colleagues that can see my face and I wonder are they aware or on any level Or conscious that possibly I am hurting. The silence is so confusing. Is it that your are uncomfortable? Are you unaware? I want you to know that I am hurting.  I am sad that I have to consider where I am going, before I go, and what I am wearing. I am concerned about the black men in my life that are fearful of their own lives. I was concerned about going to the office to print reports that I need to read becaus
Read more

Tears Speak For Me

-
Image
Today, I finally cried. After years of seeing black men murdered I finally cried. Why? Today, I felt justified. I felt like I had permission to feel what I have been experiencing. My classmates gave me the permission to sit in the emotions of Fear Uncertainty Discomfort Weariness Concern. I realized today I never stopped to ask my brothers, my dad, cousins or my nephew how they were doing. I have been afraid. I have been afraid to hear them tell me their pain, fear, and  rage. I have been afraid the truth of their reality would only confirm how powerless I am, how powerless we are regarding how people view us. I cried because I really had no words to express what my soul was experiencing. I felt for my classmates. Perhaps, many of us are sitting in the same seats of uncertainty and we are seeking together to understand. I had two conversations with friends this week. One cried. Another told me they cried because they were so hurt. Although I understood what they were
Read more