As a young black woman in society, I find that people tend to make assumptions about my home life. Those who do not know me may stereotype me and think that my father is not around. Ironically, though my mother was around in my life, my father was my primary caretaker. I am absolutely blessed to have my father in my life, and I am sure raising a child of the opposite sex took a lot of patience and reading on his part. So, this is a big thank you for all that you have done Pop. Thank you for allowing me to grow and develop into a young woman that I, myself am proud of. thank you for teaching me good values and that I have potential beyond what my own mind can imagine.

Thank you for my childhood. I was watching this cute father daughter video on the internet that went viral and it was about a father telling his daughter to repeat positive phrases that the father wanted the daughter to remember to reflect her own self-image. The video was absolutely precious, but it got me thinking. My father did that with me when I was little and as small as it seemed, it influenced my life so much and taught me a couple of things: one, how to believe in myself first; and two, that I have a loving system of support behind me.

Thank you for installing in my brain from a young age that black is beautiful among the copious number of phrases you made me say to feel good about myself. This has even become a tool in my adult life when you are not making me repeat them to you aloud in a car. You always told me to be strong, kind and to never let anyone dim my light. Thank you for allowing me to express my creativity and let my imagination go wild. I appreciate it.

Thank you for taking the long journey of puberty with me. Without you, I definitely could not have gotten through my awkward stages. Thank you for taking me bra shopping and teaching me about my period, even though I thought that was your way of telling me that I was dying. I know we had a number of memorable arguments, but thank you for sticking with me through every mood swing no matter which way they decided to sway. Thank you for making me wait to wear makeup, I understand now that it was so that I would love myself first. Thank you for making me wait until I was 16 to date. Even though I thought it was stupid, I understand that it was so I knew how to do things independently and not lose sight of my dreams and not getting caught up. Thank you for loving me through the “emo’s not just a phase” phase that everyone goes through. Even though we butted heads, I still loved you the whole way through.

As I enter my twenties, thank you for being my best support system. Even as I am away in college you have my back. I could not ask for a better man to be in my corner. Parents, support your children. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but I mean you really have to mean it. Be proud of the things they are doing and inspire them to think more, because that is the key to good parenting. Thank you, dad, for your support and teachings. Thank you, for everything. I love you.