A father's love

  So, I have had something on my mind for the past few days that I wanted to share. This may be a little bit longer of a read than I usually post, but in my opinion, it is definitely worth the time. I am not going to go into a whole lot of detail while talking about this because I am not one to blast my personal life onto any social media platform, but yet again for what is on my mind it’s necessary; and worth the time.
I have been going through a custody battle for a good long while now and it finally came to a head a few days ago. My main goal in this matter was to express to the court my dire need and want to be a full time father to my child. We went through the motions and the cross examinations from the attorneys and heard what everyone had to say; and at the end of my questioning I was asked if there was anything else that I would like to share with the court. I had so many thoughts buzzing through my brain and at the top of that list (of course) was my child. What came out of me at that time, even with the blinding whirl wind of thoughts that were storming through my mind; was a pure and true message from the heart. It’s interesting the words that can break through even in a time of high stress and longing; a time where every cell of your being feels like screaming out, pleading for an answer that will never come. 

In this time I spoke of my true desire to be a full time father and the immense love I have for my daughter. I spoke of how it is my hope to see everyone move forward and grow together for the betterment of that precious little girl. I spoke of a time in the future where we can all come together and work towards a brighter tomorrow; and together we can give the child the best of what there is to offer. 

I’m being vague with my paraphrases for a reason; however, I am assuming you get the gist of my mini speech. I would like to add here that it is in NO WAY my intention to bad mouth or speak poorly of the defense in this case; the fact of the matter is, is that they were in that court room to express their love for the child as well. 
 

So, let’s go back to the “speech” I gave. I have been thinking a lot about it lately and running through things that I could have said or could have left out (which is terribly unfair for me to do to myself; but I can’t help it) and I have come to the conclusion of why I answered the way I did; which is also the point of this post.  There are many times in my life where I can recall being taught incredibly important life skills as well as being taught how to let my creativity shine. Through music, dance, art, worship, and anything that causes the soul to stir; I was taught how to rise up and be the man that I am today. I have many people to thank for this who have been there throughout my life, but right now, I am speaking of an amazing individual who was there through it all; my father.

Even when I was being a rebellious and wild teenager; he was there. Through my altercations with “authority figures”; he was there. At times where I was the happiest in my life to times where I thought that I couldn’t sink any lower; he was there. This is the man that ministered my wedding and married me to the love of my life. He taught me discipline, joy, how to get by in the hard times, and how fly high in the best times. We have laughed together, cried together, and loved together; He is an amazing man and I am proud to say he is my dad. 
I tell you that to tell you this… no matter how far away your father may be; love him. If your father is not one by blood but is your step father; love him. These men in your life that you can call “Dad” are there for you and (if they are like my dad) will do anything in the world for you. I know I am a great father to my child because of the lessons that I learned from my father. So, in conclusion, even if you don’t have a full time dad (and if they are like me) know that they will go to the ends of the earth for their children; love them, because they love you.