My Tower

As Father’s Day weekend approaches I must give honor to the man, the monument:  my Father.  I am blessed beyond measure to have been reared and guided by the strength and spirit of a man from very humble beginnings that had the strength, courage and tenacity to raise a family of seven children.  It wasn’t always easy. Even with the help of my mother and the village of extended family and friends, Daddy worked two jobs to feed, clothe and shelter us. In addition to making sure our basic needs were met as children, Daddy makes it his priority even now to provided spiritual and emotional support to all of us in times of joy, pain, struggles, accomplishments and sorrows.  He has been an example of what hard work and commitment really mean.  He has shown us that Love is indeed and action verb.  He demonstrated to us that Godly principles are the foundation to healthy living and that, no matter what, LOVE conquers all.

At age 76, my Daddy continues to be the Priest of the house I’ve learned to be, the community member I want to be and the MAN I can only strive to be.  Although he’s had quite a few birthdays, he continues to be a sharp as a tack cognitively, emotionally and spiritually. He is still my TOWER.  I honor him this Father’s Day weekend by quoting a poem I wrote for him on his 71^st Birthday.  It continues to ring true for me:

LEANING TOWERS

He has always been my Tower;

My strength through the storms of life.

Through Sunday School and Summer Camps

And grades that weren’t always right.

He was the one I counted on

To make things turn out right.

When I was sick and needed care

He too lost sleep at night.

Although my Tower now leans a bit;

His top is turned to gray.

His vision, not a good as before,

Still sees through the words I say.

I see my Tower in the mirror,

The image stills me cold.

It’s comforting knowing he’s here with me.

Leaning Towers are good for the soul.

Happy Father’s day to my Hero; my Daddy:  Willie W. Parker.  No words can ever express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for planting me in your garden and allowing you to cultivate me. I LOVE YOU!