London St. Charles
You’ve always shown love through your actions and
not lip service. That’s one of the reasons I love you so
much and our children are beyond blessed to have
you as their father.
Happy Father’s Day, Brad. There isn’t a time limit on
when you can get this fatherhood thing right. It hasn’t
always been what it should’ve been, but over the last
thirteen years, it has been much better. And the last
four of those thirteen you’ve really been present.
Now, I can trust your word and if something goes awry
(money, conflict in your schedule, doing something
for Sierra), you communicate that. It makes all the
difference when explaining the circumstances to our
daughter who loves you so much.
I remember stating that only you, and no one else,
had the ability to make or break your relationship
with Sierra. She’s always been crazy about you and
that bond is thick. I’ve seen it grow stronger over
the years and I’m happy that you get to bask in the
wonderful person she is.
It’s always easy to be the fun parent. The one who
swoops in hangs out and bring the child back with
laughter in her heart and stars in her eyes. That’s so
awesome in that child’s view. But during the trying
time of the teenage years when I called on you to
create a united front with us—my husband and I,
you stepped up in a way I that I’ll never forget. You
learned to be the father she needed and took those
hard hits (metaphorically) that I was accustomed to
during that unpredictable phase. You sacrificed the
pedestal she kept you on and became more than just
the fun weekend guy. I appreciate your growth as a
father and the love you show our daughter is priceless.
My Two Cents
People who were around during my life lesson
relationship, before I knew he was my life lesson,
always say, “I can’t believe you even talk to him.”
But at the end of the day, we all grow. Hopefully, we
learn that it’s about what’s in the best interest of the
child. All of that old foolishness dissipates with time
and maturity. Sometimes it takes one party longer to
get there, but with God’s grace, they eventually will.
What I advise is that when that person finally “gets
there,” keep your heart open and nurture that father-
daughter or father-son relationship. They equally need
each other.
London St. Charles is a Chicago native who has always had a passion for
the pen, paper, and books. She wrote and published her debut novel, The
Husband We Share in 2017 and is currently working on her next novel.
www.londonstcharles.com
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