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 neighborhood environment was not conducive to positive factors for many young
black boys growing up there. Many did not make it out whole. My daddy's
domineering presence was crucial in me making 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. Many of them lived
in single-parent (Mother) households
No, I could not and did not have to relate to that of fatherless circumstances. But a few
of my friends often remind me of their absence thereof.
It is still amazing to me that most of my childhood friends I still maintain a relationship
with also had their fathers' positive guidance during their youth developmental stage.
Like "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 or neighborhood.
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 of a working trait
from him. My father had but one friend, no question. He did not hang on the corner or
night club on weekends. It was work, then home...period
I consider myself 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...
I, like my father, am a quiet man. When I was a teen, my sisters and mother would often
joke with anyone I introduced to them..."Does he talk?"... followed by laughter. (My
family thought I was a mute...LOL). I was always quiet at home...My dad never asked
that "Does he talk?" question.