Upon release from that sentence, rekindling any form of family ties to me was merely impossible.
But today, by the grace of God, I am grateful to have experienced every day spent in prison. When most people find it inhumane, prison helped me gain fortitude. It gave me the opportunity to discover who I was and how to express what I felt. Moreover, I learned how to analyze how other men felt, and how to come to terms with the lack of relationship previously shared with my father. It wasn’t long after my release that I began rebuilding those bridges- years tore apart. And honestly speaking, I believe my experience through all of those years incarcerated allotted me the ability to encourage other men or young males, who too are finding it hard to talk about how they feel with their father, to take time out to develop some form of communication with your father.
Today, many males find it challenging to be who and what society dictates men should be. In many instances, some men find it challenging to live up to the expectations set forth by female counterparts. To women, men are characterized as the provider and disciplinary of the house hold, and most women deem this characteristic to be a prerequisite within the relationship. Sadly enough, many men lack communication skills, and it is selfish to try and force a man to become someone he does not completely understand how to be. This is why I am taking the first step towards rebuilding the relationship between my father and me. No longer will I allow excuses to prevent me from overcoming my childhood insecurities. It is time I begin spearheading towards the pinnacle of compassion. Not merely for my sake but for the benefit of the relationship between my father and me.
So this Father’s Day will be celebrated through the pages of my new book titled Your Love is Phenomenal and True … That’s Why I Love You Dad.
This paragon of creativity is compiled with twenty-three unforgettable poems I believe will warm his heart and bring tears of joy to his eyes. You can review some of them on my Web site at http://bradleyalmighty.tripod.com.
Father’s Day shouldn’t be just another day in June, but one that is celebrated everyday. Even if you do not have a relationship with your father, or even know where your father is, kneel down in prayer and ask God to grant you the strength to overcome your hurt and pain, and pray that God provides the same to your father. Despite the distance and time lost, your father will always be a part of you, because it is his blood that flows through your veins. Without his blood in your body, you could not be who you have become; therefore, always take time out and extend the greatest gift of all … pay homage to your dad and tell him how much you love him.
(Part 1) | Part 2
