No love is greater than that of a father for His son. -Dan Brown

We give so much credit to those single mothers who raise their children, but what about a father who raises his kids with his wife. Do we acknowledge him? Do we give him a continuous praise? Or do we just ignore the fact that he is there?

In today's generation growing up in a two parent household is considered to be like the Loch Ness Monster. We have some rare proof that it does exist or at least did exist, but it is rarely to almost never seen in our community.

I thank God everyday for blessing me with the chance to grow up in a two parent household, where my parents were actively involved in my life. It is beyond important for a child, teenager, and even a young adult to have the support of a two parent household in their life. Having the support from a mother and father creates a system for the child to grow with the correct characteristics that it requires to make them a more well rounded person. A support system that constantly gives and takes, a system that cannot be broken, is what each child needs.

My parents have been present through every step of my journey called life. Of course we know it is important for a child to grow with a support system, but it is more so imperative for a young negro boy, to grow up with his father. In today's time the "system" tries to break men from their children, keeping them apart to destroy generational traditions and lessons.

Prentice Powell, well-known poet has a poem entitled "The System". Within this wonderful piece of spoken word he shares so many things thats not only inspiring, but also shares a message that my father constantly shares with me.

My father has always shared with me, to go above what I can do. To be better than him, to better than what I think I could be. My father has always pushed me to be so much more than what I could even imagine myself to be. He's taught me how to not be apart of systematic problem, but to also help find solutions to a systematic problem so that my kid's, kid's, kid's won't have to suffer.

If it was not for me standing on both of my parents shoulders, all that I have achieved so far in life would not even be accomplished.

Often times I am asked what it is my life motto, when responding I can only smile and say "Do you what you're suppose to do, so you can do what you want to do." My father has always said that with me, every since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Such a simple quote has been such a big tool in my life.

To my father, I appreciate you for staying around and raising my brother, Lance, and I when things got tough for you and mom. I appreciate you for being so transparent with me and Lance, with allowing us to see your flaws and allowing that to inspire us to keep going and to become better. To my father, I hope one day I am as great as a father as you have been to me over the years. Dad, you are appreciated.