First Things First, Rest In Peace Uncle Phil!
Growing up in Brooklyn, NY without a father was similar to growing up before the GPS was on your phone. You had to figure it out on your own. No road map to your destination of manhood. I was lucky enough to have role models in my grandfather, uncles, and basketball coaches but that isn't the same as having your father in your life.
They say a mother can't raise a man. They're wrong and I am living proof. My mother not only raised me into the man I am today, watching her work hard every day to reach her goals and make a great life for me and my siblings was all the motivation I needed to reach my goals.
Basketball saved my life. Without basketball I am not sure where I would be. I played basketball since I could remember walking. It introduced me to new people, new friends, and made me set my first goal in life, to go to the NBA. I only grew to be 5'9" so that was kind of out of the question now haha In high school at Frederick Douglass Academy you had to have an 80 average to play basketball which helped me get into college. I played college basketball at SUNY Plattsburgh where I had an amazing time, met amazing people, and have brothers I can count on if I ever needed them.
In 2014 I had my first beauty, Ava. in 2015 I had my second beauty, Amelia. Yup, back to back less than 365 days. I know what ya thinking haha I couldn't imagine my life without them. They're funny, beautiful, intelligent, caring, and becoming a little bit of momma girls if you ask me. We will change that back today when I grab them their favorite ice cream. When I first had my beauties there was never a doubt in my mind that I would be there for them 24/7 365. They have me wrapped around their fingers and they know it. It is a beautiful blessing to have beautiful and healthy children. The dopest thing is getting a compliment from a family and friends saying that I am doing a good job and I get to brag about how dope my mother was for me growing up and how dope my wife is to me and my children.
I know what you're thinking lol So Tim what is the point in this article. The point of that you can be successful and a great father without having a father in your life. You can break a cycle instead of repeating it. I have heard people say they don't know how to be a father because they never had one or they're messing up because they didn't have the guidance of a dad in their lives. I am here to let them know it isn't true. You can be an awesome father and learn everything you need to along the way. When you have a baby they don't know anything about your past. You get a fresh start! Being there everyday is the first step. Then putting 110% of your energy into being the man and leader you want your child to see. Then work hard to build a legacy that you can leave behind that your child will be proud of and your grandchildren will be able to brag about. The ball is in your court now and you get to decide what to do with it.