Fatherhood is a lifelong commitment that these dads do not regret making.
They are proud of their children and still do their best to ensure they are taken care of and protected.
Father of three Shawn Edwards was one of the men who gave that outlook yesterday as they celebrated Father’s Day with their families.
“Although my dad was there for me . . . he still wasn’t. So I always said I wanted it to be different for my kids. I wanted to be there all the time 24/7, 365 and that is what I did,” he said.
He was speaking at Bean N Bagel 2.0 in Worthing, Christ Church, where he celebrated with his wife, Patty-Ann Edwards (who was also celebrating her birthday), and daughters Shannon and Shakayla. His son Shai is currently overseas.
While joking that his daughters were not always industrious, he commended them for their growth and respectfulness.
“I always pride myself in maintaining a great balance between strictness and ‘sport’, because it was for their wellbeing.
“And I am proud of who they have become, a lil’ lazy sometimes . . . but for the most part they have become really good young women. My son is also aspiring to do great things,” he said.
Shannon acknowledged that although her father was strict at times, she said she knew he only wanted what was best for them.
“My father always provided and made sure he looked out for us. He was strict but I knew it was coming from a place of love and to this day he is a big inspiration and a driving force behind what a lot of us do,” Shannon said.
Rudi Hoyte, who visited Bean N Bagel with his children, Cassie and Tyler, said fatherhood was a role he cherished.
“It’s a job that does not stop but it gives me a sense of purpose. I’m trying to set an example of the man he is supposed to be and the man that she is supposed to marry,” Hoyte said.
Ricardo Franklyn also had lunch at Bean N Bagel with his daughter Shanya Franklyn.
Despite the challenges associated with being a parent, he said it was rewarding.
“It is a challenging experience but it means a lot because I enjoy being a father. I love how she excelled in school and how she’s going on her career path,” Ricardo said.
He encouraged other men to remain in their children’s lives.
“Always be there for your kids, make sure you provide for them, love them and motivate them to be the best that they can be,” he added.
Shanya said she decided to treat her father because he deserved it.
“I brought him out to celebrate because, in my opinion, he was both parents growing up. He pushed me to be a better me. He helped me to do better in school and told me not to give up.
“He never let me forget I could accomplish everything I put my mind to. When he is harsh or yells at me, I know it comes from a place of love. Although I don’t say it a lot I love my father,” she said.
Bubba’s Sports Bar and Restaurant at Rockley, Christ Church, was also packed with families who were celebrating Father’s Day.
Among the group was Bishop Mark S. Harewood with his daughter Deandra and wife Kathyann.
Harewood said although fatherhood was a huge task, he was happy to take it on.
“It’s a great responsibility. I thought to be a father I needed to have a boy but I had a girl and I am very happy that we had her. She is very loving,” he said.
He acknowledged that some parents especially have challenges with their children. However, he underscored the importance of leaning on God.
“We are believers in Christ and I see parents, even Christian parents, have a lot of issues with their children but I am blessed up to this point that she does not have the issue with drugs, and having children out of marriage.
“God set it up that as men we are the leaders; not the bosses, and as a father our role is very important to our children’s development,” he said.
Former police officer Karl Gooding was also at Bubba’s with his daughter Jalissa Gooding and granddaughter Darissa Gooding.
Jalissa spoke highly of her father.
“I usually treat my dad because he is a very special person to me. He is a very strict man seeing that he was in the police force. He taught me to be punctual. I’ve learned to respect everyone you
meet and to put God first. Everything and everything else can come after,” she said.
Tapas Barbados at Hastings was also busy with fathers.
Raymond Brooks was beaming with pride as he interacted with his ten-monthold son Royceton.
“These past ten months, I can’t put any other words to it other than amazing and I give God thanks for it.
“I get to see him grow day by day, interact with him, teach him new things and watch how he reacts to different foods,” Brooks said.
David Rose was also at Tapas with his family; including wife Fabian Rose, his stepson Rick Alcindor, and Canell Willie.
While his daughters Lee-Ann Rose and Kerri Gooding said he was not talkative, they spoke highly of his character.
“My relationship with my dad is like wine; with age, it gets better. When I was younger we weren’t as close but now we are a lot closer. We go out to monthly lunches and hang out because as you get older, you think about it, that they are not going to be here forever,” Gooding said. (TG)
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