My parents were married for 48 years. That's a long time, but at the time of this writing, one of my
sisters, number #5, has been married for 56 years to my mentor Jack. Karen and I married nearly 40
years.
WOW...not bad for 2 out of three remaining siblings, No slight on my youngest sister, number #7,
she's good with her long-time suiter and her solo independence.
My daddy's domineering presence was crucial in my adolescence development. My neighborhood
environment was not conducive to positive factors for many young black boys growing up there.
Many did not make it out whole.Yes, it did start in the home. Yes, it still takes a village.While some of my childhood friends lived with their birth fathers. Most of them didn't.No, I could not and did not have to relate to that of fatherless circumstances.It is still amazing to me that most of my childhood friends I still maintain a relationship with also
had their fathers' guidance at their developmental youth period in a positive manner. Peas in a pod
I guess...I don't know if that implies anything. But, based on the type of fathers my close friends evolved
into, some type of mojo was working. I contribute some of that proportionately to fatherhood
success.That is my opinion, as I was close to some of my friends' fathers and mothers. The prototype of our
fathers and mothers were very similar. It was as if our parents all grew up together in the same
household.My father was a quiet regimental man who worked on the same job I believe for nearly 40 years. I
knew early on, I did not want to take on, nor wanted that job working trait from him. Although, I did
do a seventeen-year sentence on one J.O.B...LOL, but 40 years, one job, no way!Actually, I'm an Entrepreneur. My spirit comes in part from my mother (Avon Lady) and my
Entrepreneur mentor brother-in-law. (Sister Number #5 Spouse, Jack) (Part owner - Furniture
Store-Upholstery Shop) Entrepreneur in spite of him and my sister, both working for 40+ years in
law enforcement. Go Figure...