NORTH CAROLINA, USA — I remember when I was in high school I would always say I wanted five kids- four girls and one boy. I lived in a household of a single parent. There were times my mother played the role of mom and dad. As sad as it was I had never seen a successful African American family. So for me, Thursday nights at 8pm was my time to see black families united. As I would watch the Cosby show I saw what I wanted to become- I saw a black family, happy and united, and the picture was set for me. I wanted to be like the Huxtables.
This was the picture of a black family. All I knew were broken relationships and divorce. It was painful to witness but I never learned the responsibilities of fatherhood, or even how to be a husband.
Well, I became that father to five children and my wife Stacia and I both had to learn how to extend ourselves to help develop the lives of these souls God entrusted us with.
Did I make mistakes? Yes. Did I miss the mark? Yes. Did I disappoint? Yes. Did I learn? Absolutely. Those are the questions we should always ask. Did I learn?
The answer to this question is I am still learning. I am learning how to be selfless and love unconditionally.
It's not easy but for my family- it's worth it.