He was born in the late 1920s, a remarkable man whose steadfast warmth created a sanctuary in my heart. I still remember the day he sat me down and said, "My wife and I may not have much money, but we are rich in the love of God. You will never go hungry or suffer abuse again." Those words ignited a flame of hope and safety within me, revealing a home that transcended physical walls - a home blessed with two nurturing hearts.
Growing up in an era devoid of computers, cell phones, or the civil rights we often take for granted today, this extraordinary American faced staggering challenges. I listened intently as he shared stories of his youth, usually recounting how he only advanced to the 3rd grade. Initially, he struggled to read, marking an "X" to signify his name - an act not born of ignorance but necessity. He spent countless hours in the cotton fields, laboring tirelessly to enrich others, with little access to opportunities for himself. Yet, against all odds, he learned to read, and I felt immense pride in playing a small role in his educational journey.
You entered my life when I was 11 years old, and I still remember the call: "Rick, what is this word?" I listened to you, and I never broke my promise to help you with reading. During the eight years I lived with you, I was never too tired to assist you with words or definitions. I understood every word of the stories you shared about your hardships, and there was no need to apologize for any words you stumbled over while pronouncing them. You are the most intelligent person I have ever known, and you told your life story in a way that resonated with a young mind. Your tales were complex, yet they were worth hearing. Many who consider themselves educated could learn a great deal from you about the importance of confronting history rather than suppressing it, as well as how American history is presented to the general public.
In every endeavor he undertook, you poured your heart and soul into uplifting others, establishing a business, serving as a minister, and transforming our home into a beacon of hope for children in need. I often accompanied him to business functions, where I witnessed the indifference he faced. The dismissive glances and condescending tones from those around him did little to shake his resolve. When frustration bubbled within me, he would calmly advise, "Let God fight your battles." At the time, I mistook his passive demeanor for weakness, failing to appreciate the profound strength that lay within his unwavering faith.
His wisdom became a guide for me, preparing me for the trials I would face during my military service and later as an IT engineer, where I found myself as the only person of color in my workplace. Each experience tested my resolve but also enriched my character, teaching me to stand firm against adversity, just as he had.
I often remind my children to take responsibility for their actions, to appreciate the present, and to learn from the lessons of the past. In his lifetime, God rewarded my foster father for his relentless hard work, allowing him to witness a world transforming. Today, fueled by my love and sacrifices, I strive to build generational wealth for my family. As a young man, I felt embarrassed to be two years behind in school, but when I was in school, I made a statement: finally, I was able to compete and do my part in representing all cultures. That, despite what you had to go through to get here, it's your time. That little push from my new family gave me the drive to pick up the torch and run with it. Today, I stand proud, working towards my doctorate, knowing that love, care, and hard work know no bounds.
He was a remarkable American - a man who chose to embody positivity in the face of adversity. As I grow older, I am beginning to understand the depth of his wisdom. He always greeted everyone warmly, but I also recall the vulnerability he displayed, particularly regarding the challenges he faced as a person of color. Hearing him share his experiences of growing up Black in the 1920s brought tears to my eyes. Those stories, while heart-wrenching, strengthened my spirit and prepared me for the often lonely journey in my line of work, where I encounter piercing stares that seem to ask, "What are you doing here?"
His long white robe, a symbol of his faith, represented the sermons he preached, which were grounded in hope and love. His life was a testament to resilience, as he carried the weight of both his race and the expectation to respond to disrespect with grace rather than anger. I can only imagine him wearing that long white robe in heaven, a serene figure who always gave so much yet expected nothing in return. Happy Father's Day to all, especially to a man who exemplified selflessness and grace in every aspect of his life - a man who secretly equipped me with the tools a Black man needs to fight and survive in this world.
Growing up in an era devoid of computers, cell phones, or the civil rights we often take for granted today, this extraordinary American faced staggering challenges. I listened intently as he shared stories of his youth, usually recounting how he only advanced to the 3rd grade. Initially, he struggled to read, marking an "X" to signify his name - an act not born of ignorance but necessity. He spent countless hours in the cotton fields, laboring tirelessly to enrich others, with little access to opportunities for himself. Yet, against all odds, he learned to read, and I felt immense pride in playing a small role in his educational journey.
You entered my life when I was 11 years old, and I still remember the call: "Rick, what is this word?" I listened to you, and I never broke my promise to help you with reading. During the eight years I lived with you, I was never too tired to assist you with words or definitions. I understood every word of the stories you shared about your hardships, and there was no need to apologize for any words you stumbled over while pronouncing them. You are the most intelligent person I have ever known, and you told your life story in a way that resonated with a young mind. Your tales were complex, yet they were worth hearing. Many who consider themselves educated could learn a great deal from you about the importance of confronting history rather than suppressing it, as well as how American history is presented to the general public.
In every endeavor he undertook, you poured your heart and soul into uplifting others, establishing a business, serving as a minister, and transforming our home into a beacon of hope for children in need. I often accompanied him to business functions, where I witnessed the indifference he faced. The dismissive glances and condescending tones from those around him did little to shake his resolve. When frustration bubbled within me, he would calmly advise, "Let God fight your battles." At the time, I mistook his passive demeanor for weakness, failing to appreciate the profound strength that lay within his unwavering faith.
His wisdom became a guide for me, preparing me for the trials I would face during my military service and later as an IT engineer, where I found myself as the only person of color in my workplace. Each experience tested my resolve but also enriched my character, teaching me to stand firm against adversity, just as he had.
I often remind my children to take responsibility for their actions, to appreciate the present, and to learn from the lessons of the past. In his lifetime, God rewarded my foster father for his relentless hard work, allowing him to witness a world transforming. Today, fueled by my love and sacrifices, I strive to build generational wealth for my family. As a young man, I felt embarrassed to be two years behind in school, but when I was in school, I made a statement: finally, I was able to compete and do my part in representing all cultures. That, despite what you had to go through to get here, it's your time. That little push from my new family gave me the drive to pick up the torch and run with it. Today, I stand proud, working towards my doctorate, knowing that love, care, and hard work know no bounds.
He was a remarkable American - a man who chose to embody positivity in the face of adversity. As I grow older, I am beginning to understand the depth of his wisdom. He always greeted everyone warmly, but I also recall the vulnerability he displayed, particularly regarding the challenges he faced as a person of color. Hearing him share his experiences of growing up Black in the 1920s brought tears to my eyes. Those stories, while heart-wrenching, strengthened my spirit and prepared me for the often lonely journey in my line of work, where I encounter piercing stares that seem to ask, "What are you doing here?"
His long white robe, a symbol of his faith, represented the sermons he preached, which were grounded in hope and love. His life was a testament to resilience, as he carried the weight of both his race and the expectation to respond to disrespect with grace rather than anger. I can only imagine him wearing that long white robe in heaven, a serene figure who always gave so much yet expected nothing in return. Happy Father's Day to all, especially to a man who exemplified selflessness and grace in every aspect of his life - a man who secretly equipped me with the tools a Black man needs to fight and survive in this world.
Support Electron
