Teganjaz Books Presents... Author, Tracy L. Darity

Beyonce? Knowles recorded a song on her debut CD Dangerously In Love entitled Daddy. No matter how many times I listen to this song, by the end I am in tears. This song captures every emotion I feel for my own Father. (To listen, visit Tracy ?s Book Club.) Anyone who knows me knows that no other man on this earth could ever replace the man God brought forth to be my dad?which is probably why I have never been married. He has set the bar so high?LOL

My dad is the epitome of fatherhood. He and my mother have been married for almost forty-six years, and although time has taken its toll and my dad has suffered several strokes and is in a constant battle with high blood pressure and diabetes, he still wants to be the head of his household and provide protection and comfort for his family.

Growing up, not once did I ever imagine I would come home and my dad wouldn?t be there. I never worried about being hungry or homeless, or not having clothes on my back. I can not remember what age I was when I realized that not all children had fathers like my dad; not all children had dads in their home; and not all children had dads who loved and provided for them the way our dad loved and provided for us. The notion that a man could bring a child into this world and just walk away was unthinkable to me. But as I grew older and made new friends I saw firsthand that this was a reality for many. As an adult, I will not deal with a man who does not play an active (physical and emotional) role in the lives of his children, whether it?s one or ten. To me that is a serious and major character flaw. I will go so far as to say I truly believe it should be a federal offense for a man (or woman) to walk away from his responsibilities as a father. I mean think about it, it is a crime to abandon an animal but people walk away from their kids everyday?but I digress.

As we approach Father?s Day, June 21st, many will share memories of their fathers, some who have left us and some who are still here. I like to keep my memories of my dad close to heart. I like to remember the way he would wake us up fore day in the morning to get up and get ready for school. I like to remember how he would take my sisters and I to the 7-11 convenience store that use to be located on fifth avenue north and buy us whatever candy we wanted. I was partial to Mary Jane?s (peanut butter logs) and Boston Baked Beans, and my sister Cynthia loved Chico Sticks and Lemonheads. Then there were the Slurpees. I still buy them to this day.

My dad didn?t just spoil us rotten with candy treats. He also was available to take us to doctor appointments and when I was cutting up in school he would show up to get me out of trouble. I think because our parents provided so well for us we did not misbehave too often. But when we did, they would sit us down and give us a good talking too. Now, this doesn?t mean my dad would not put a belt to our behinds but I only remember having that unfortunate experience once. My sister and her best-friend back in the day will never let me live this experience down. My dad had allowed us to tag along with him to the W.T Grant store. For you newbie?s, that was the Wal-Mart or yesteryear. My dad made it very clear that we could not get anything but I was determined to prove him wrong.

We arrived at the store and I immediately headed to the toy aisle. There I found my favorite, a book of paper dolls. I placed the booklet in the basket and my dad took it out, reminding me that I could not get anything. When he wasn?t looking I placed them back in the basket. This went on throughout the store. When we reached the check-out line and the cashier picked up those paper dolls my dad was through. He paid for the booklet and we headed for the car. On the way home I took the booklet out the bag and began removing the dolls and the clothing. We reached our house and my dad, sister, and her friend exited, leaving me with my dolls. I finally made my way out of the car and into the house; and waiting behind the front door was my dad, with belt in hand. He tore my little behind up that day and I will never ever forget that whipping?.remember, my sister and a friend (now cousin-in-law) won?t let me....LOL

Well aside from that near traumatic experience, life went on in the Darity household. My dad continued to be a great provider, father, and husband, family vacations to Florida Theme Parks, and to see family in Tallahassee rolled on. But as with most, children turn into teenagers, and teenagers turn into young adults and young adults become parents. Through all the growth spurts, trials, tribulations, and triumphs, the one constant has been the love of my dad. He taught me how to mow the laugh, fix the pipes, hang a light, and so much more. And before his illnesses took a toll he helped me with my daughter who has Autism. Putting her on and taking her off the bus. Watching her while I worked or hung-out with friends. I am so grateful for my dad not for just being my dad but for being a wonderful grandfather to my children and showing them the same love, understanding, and commitment that he showed his own kids.

I wish with all my heart and soul that each of you reading this blog grew-up with a dad who was as great as mine, but I know that will not be the case. So I pray that somewhere along the way you were fortunate enough to be exposed to someone who thought it not an inconvenience to share a part of himself to make you feel loved. It could be a grandparent, an uncle, a brother, or even your husband. If not, then recognize that you have a Father in Heaven who is always there for you.

Daddy, we love you so much, not just Father?s Day but everyday. When I look back over my life I would change many things but not one of them involves you. You are the very best.

Much Love,

Tracy

Tracy L. Darity is the author of He Loves me He Loves Me Not!

You can contact Tracy at info@TracyLDarity.com

For more information on Tracy and her work please connect with her at:

www.TracyLDarity.com

Tracy ?s Book Club (www.tracyldarity.ning.com

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