Remembering Dad

On this day, 6 years ago, my Dad went to be with the Lord.

Today I recognize two heroes in my life; My Dad and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you, Dr. King, for your courage, commitment, and sacrifice. This world is forever changed because of you.

I wrote my Dad a letter today.

Dad,

Thank you for being an imperfect example of Christ.

You often gave from the heart, sometimes to your detriment.

Thank you for showing me that courage can be loud and silent.

You were escorted off the pulpit because you wanted leadership to understand that requiring people to dress up only causes division.

Thank you for being a constant reminder of doing what is right.

When I stole candy from a store, you made me go back inside and tell the cashier that I was a liar, a thief and that I'd never do it again. I never did it again.

Thank you for being loving and caring.

You would buy Mcdonald's for people you didn't know that they could eat.

Thank you for encouraging me always to learn.

When we would get home from school or church, you would ask, "What did you learn today?"

Thank you for reminding me that relationships are one of the most important things in the world.

You and Mom didn't have a perfect relationship, but I saw that you kept working on it.

Thank you for punishing me and making me be of service.

I remember picking up trash in other people's yards. Littering has a new meaning to me now.

Thank you for being vulnerable.

You shared the despair and sadness you felt when Dr. King was assassinated.

Thank you for being you - Unapologetically you.

At your celebration of life service, I remember a guy said that you were, "A very peculiar man." He was right. You see, when people make the impact you did, they receive all sorts of labels.

I wonder what mine will be?

Love you, Dad.

Shermain

Initial publish date: 1/18/2021