Tag Archives: father

I Was a Runaway

Posted on by
Reply

“I Was a Runaway”

When I was younger (and maybe even still today) I was a ‘goody-two-shoes’.  I tried to do right in everyone’s eyes and sought to be the best.  My parents often pushed me to get involved with things that I thought were ridiculous and a waste of my time.

In elementary school there was something I disagreed with.  I yelled at the top of my voice that life wasn’t fair and that I was leaving.  I stomped upstairs (“bam, bam, bam”), got a small suitcase and packed my things.  I WAS RUNNING AWAY! “I’LL SHOW THEM!!” I thought to myself.  I opened the garage door and slammed it behind me as I left the house.

Within three steps I realized how stupid I would look walking down my street with a suitcase.  What if my neighbors saw me?  I do have an image to uphold.  Where was I really going to go? So what did I do?  I walked ten steps onto my front porch and squatted by the door.  Two minutes later, I see my father storm out of the garage door and watch as he walks down the street looking for me.  I hear him call my name several times and I just sit there watching.

Needless to say, I have no idea what happened once he walked back to our house and saw me sitting there.  That memory has been permanently erased from my brain.  Over timed, I learned that  my parents actually had good intentions for my well being and upbringing.  I am blessed for many of the experiences they ‘made’ me do and have become a better person because of them.

M.Y.  August 2007

Happy Father’s Day

Posted on by
Reply

“Happy Father’s Day”

   My father passed away when I was a senior in high school.  He was one of the most creative, intelligent and artistic people I knew.  My father was actually the one who cooked most of the meals, made my Halloween costumes and helped me with class projects.  He even built a balance beam made of wood in the backyard so I could practice my gymnastics.  His big passion was trains!

When my parents passed away, I moved into the house where I grew up.  Still today in the basement is the train you see in the picture.  This train is over 6 feet long and my father created every piece of it.  I remember when I was younger my friends would come over and think it was the coolest thing.  I, too,  still think its cool every time I look at it, I just don’t know what to do with.

Whether living or dead, I hope everyone takes the time this weekend to reflect on a special memory/time you had with your father.  I sure miss mine.

M.Y.  June 2007

Confession of Love

Posted on by
Reply

“Confession of Love”

“I know you’re trying to figure out what in the world possessed me to write this letter, right?  Well I’ve been sitting around for the past several weeks thinking of a number of things, number one of which has been me.  I guess you could say I’ve been taking a good hard look at myself.  The surprising thing that I’ve discovered about myself is that I’ve been a somewhat destructive individual over the past 29 years.  Destructive in the sense that I’ve always looked out for (me) – and as a result, I’ve hurt a number of individuals who have been very dear to me.  I’ve also discovered that I am in love with you.  I know that latter statement comes as a shock to you.  However, that was the manner in which it was intended.  I know you’re wondering why I’ve chosen this particular method and tell you this- it’s quite simple.

You see-I fear being rejected, so therefore if I start anew the pain may not be as great as it would if I were to go all out and try to win you over.  During the past several weeks I’ve been tempted to call you a number of times.  However, I always backed down.  This letter has been in the works for a number of weeks.  However, tonight I decided to go ahead and let you know how I felt.  I’ve shocked you once so let me do it again.  I would marry you tomorrow if you felt I was worthy of you.  I do not say this jokingly.  If you think back several years ago, I’m sure that you will discern that I never used the words ‘love’ or ‘marriage’ in any of our conversations, and in order for me to use these words has taken a great deal of soul searching on my part.  I know I’ve caused you to begin to think of yourself in the future.  I ask that you also think of me in the process. ” Love, Steve

*This is a love letter that I found in my house from my father to my mother written in 1971. They met in college while attending Tuskegee University (class of ’64).  They did not date during undergrad.  My mother went back several years after graduation to visit her younger brother who was a student at Tuskegee.  My father was over the dorms where my uncle lived and during a visit my parents became reacquainted and began a long distance relationship.  At the time the letter was written, my parents were not together, but my father realized he almost let a good thing get away!  Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

M.Y.  February 2008