convened to create a covenant to revitalize our community by first being excellent fathers. A formal
support system was created. I praise God that almost every man that I know and respect went.
All the men that you know and respect went including your grandfather and uncles (by birth and
through friendship). Luckily, these men loved me and you enough to include me in the covenant. I
didn’t go because your mom was not well while she was carrying you. Somehow God has us exactly
where we are supposed to be. Somehow me staying home helped emphasize the message to my
peers, and we helped each other. The second regret if you will is not being in the household with
you on a daily basis. Being there daily is not a possibility when there is divorce. I want both of you
to know that although I cherish the time that we’ve had to spend with each other that there is not
a day that goes by that I don’t wish I saw you daily. If nothing else, it would have created more
memories and strengthened our bond. I am hopeful though that you understand that life is about
happiness and living life on your terms and not compromising for anything short of happiness.
The joy that I have seeing you both grow into such outstanding young ladies is indescribable! There
was a time when I thought that I would be a “shotgun dad”. Ironically, I realize that was fear. The
both of you proved to me that you have the knowledge, wisdom and understanding to take the
world by storm. Don’t get it twisted. I know that life will bring you both joy and pain. You have
replaced the F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) that I thought I would have at this stage with
sheer pride and confidence. As I watch you navigate situations, I see intelligent, confident young
women who have a strong foundation. As you go out each day, think of those relatives and friends
that have given you the foundation that you need to build a wonderful life. Keep these few things
in mind as you conquer the world each day.
Know that there is a power greater than you. The fantastic part of knowing that there is a power
greater than you is that you have that power within you. You don’t have to search for solutions
outside of who you are. You won’t find the answers in boys, booze or drugs. Know that these
outside influences will only temporarily make you feel better, and when the temporary fix is over,
you will still have to deal with the issue at hand. Keep your thinking clear so that you can hear that
quiet voice on the inside give you the guidance you are looking for. Everything you need to survive
has already been given to you. Move forward with confidence. Think for and be yourself. A key
statement made at Raevin’s graduation was “Be yourself, after all, everyone else is taken”. Here are
some tips to guide you on your journey.
Find the thing in life you most DESIRE and go for it. You can’t swim with just your toe in the water.
Here’s why DESIRE is the key. When you start something, you’ll be excited and that will keep you
going. At the end of a goal when you can see the finish line you will be excited. In the middle is
where it gets rough. You will want to give up. If you are working on a life that you truly DESIRE,
you won’t give up in the middle. Everyone knows that a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. The part
of the story that is overlooked is the middle. You see there is nothing that the caterpillar DESIRES
more than becoming a butterfly. The caterpillar overcomes every imaginable obstacle in order to
become a beautiful butterfly because it wants nothing more. So my beautiful daughters, know that
my arms, heart and head are here as your cocoon and I want to protect you whenever you need.
Know my beautiful daughters that you have wings fashioned just for you, so fly.
Love Dad
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