Happy Father’s Day!

Image by Creative_hat on Freepik

First off, it’s because of my Dad who was a man dedicated to his family who worked hard to provide so well and so much for us.

I wish you a Happy Father’s Day dear Dad! And, miss you especially on special days like today. I am so glad YOU were MY Dad!

Secondly, it’s because of several other men in my life—my husband, my Mom’s brother—Unk, my Father in law, my Mom’s partner and several male bosses I’ve had over the years who nurtured my career and believed in me.

All these men have been there for me in the ways a decent man needs to be! I thank you all!

Finally, and importantly as well because of our Founding Fathers who had the foresight so very many years ago to see into the future and want for us, for this country to come to know in our hearts that “all men (women) are created equal”! Sadly, those are words that we yet have so much work ahead to finally achieve.

I thank you for Founding Father’s for your vision.

Today, I do recognize that progress has been made towards that goal our Founding Fathers set for us with our first National celebration yesterday of Juneteenth! And, in our first African American woman Vice President ever sworn into office.

2021 is an important year!

I find it sad that I did not know about those enslaved in Texas for two years after The Emancipation Proclamation was signed until 2020 when I read my cousin Lisa Wingate’s book: The Book of Lost Friends . Lisa’s book is definitely worth a read and will open your eyes as it did mine.

Even sadder is that whilst I’ve heard the term Juneteenth and know it’s been celebrated for several years now, I honestly didn’t understand what it referenced until earlier this past week!

Yesterday a dear friend sent me Happy Juneteenth wishes and a link to this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xit09LrjJUU

And I watched and listened multiple times to it as tears came to my eyes…the beauty of the melody and the voices and the words the song proclaims captured my heart. Mine was a quiet reflective celebration of some liberties finally being granted—I say some because we “the people of the United States of America” have yet a very long way to go!

2021 marks a new beginning in all kinds of ways!

Who are you grateful for this Father’s Day?