Although one day, I hope to take another last name; I am proud to be a “Jones.” I am proud to be my daddy’s daughter. I have his eyes and a similar nose. My southern drawl came from him.
My eyes were always on him with my steps not too far behind. I do not know if he realizes how important his voice was and is in my life. I do not know if he realizes how important his presence was yesterday and is today.
I have struggled over the years regarding what to get my dad for the holidays. As a kid, his bathroom was fully stocked of multiple bottles of unused Brut or Old Spice. With words of gratitude, he thanked us for the $5.00 or less bottle of cologne and placed it with the others.
He has always been a simple, hard-working, and consistent man. Day after day, he gave all without complaint. There was a non-verbal commitment to be present for his family and provide a home for us all. I saw his sacrifice and willingness to give all he had.
I am sure there were times of doubts and fears – wondering how we would all make it. I watched his willingness to leap and take risks into the new. God met my dad and mom and opened the doors to a life built on the many testimonies of the goodness of God.
The times he spoke regarding serious matters, my sisters’ and my world grew silent grasping his every word. As I longed to hear his words, also I longed to be heard by him.
As he aged, I watched my father grow in love where the words were no longer marked only by his actions but his words. We have all grown and are growing.
My dad was the first man to impact the lives of my sisters and me. Today, he is making an impact on his grandkids’ lives – my nieces and nephews. In a world where men (and particularly fathers) are mocked and devalued in the media; in reality, this is far from the truth. Your wives, daughters, sisters, and friends need your voice, strength, and perspective. You are a force that shapes the lives around you.
Angela JONES is my name and I am proud of it.
Happy Father’s Day!
Angela is the Founder of Shades of Goodness. She looks forward to providing a platform dedicated to discovering the goodness in the world around us: home, finances, random acts of kindness, cuisine, personal goals, and most importantly God.
