Do you call yourself a Father?

Who do you think you are?

When I think about the meaning of this day I of course begin to think about my dad.
But more importantly I think about all the men that took a stand to raise kids that are not their own flesh and blood.

I lost my father at the age of 11. It was a very difficult time for my family as you could imagine. I can remember being so confused at the time not knowing where to turn. I recall the biggest question on my mind at the time was 'Who is going to teach me how to be a man?'

Yes, I have older siblings and cousins and uncles, but, I wanted 'MY' dad... It's hard to explain, the only way that makes any sense to me is, when someone you love gives you a gift and that gift is taken away from you, or broken, no other gift can replace the gift you lost. No amount of gifts can replace the value of the one you lost.

I had a strong support system in my mother she always there to guide me in practical everyday things but, there were times when we just couldn't see eye to eye. My older brother even came down to visit me and be the rock that I needed, but I didn't know how to accept his help and guidance.

So I found myself feeling like I was shutting out the world...

Today I recognize the effort it takes to be a father, to be a mentor, to be a guide to a young person who is lost. I know there are many guys out there who don't care to be there for their kids. Because of whatever circumstance, they chose not to be in the child's life...

However, I know from experience that there are those men, that take a stand and raise kids that are not their own flesh and blood. It is a task that not many would venture to take. Everyday comes new challenges and new opportunity to grow.

I have found that in general, kids want to be loved, kids want a family. They crave the normalcy of a family unit. But what is normal these days? The most important thing I can give to my kids is my time. Because I remember after I lost my Father, the only thing I wanted more than anything was more time...

This Father's day I want to give a shout out to the dads that are making happen. Taking care of their kids even if they live in another state. Do your part, make sure you in their lives.

Because the most important thing you could give them, is more time...

Don't let time run out on you!

Wasted Minds...

When I was growing up there used to be these PSA/commercials for the United Negro College Fund; and their slogan was "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste" I can remember hearing the voice of James Earl Jones admonishing me when ever I would feel guilty for playing video games...almost telling me to get back to hitting the books. Don't be like those other kids, playing video games and wasting their minds... Ha!

The funny thing is, when you think about it, a lot of those wasted minds went on to accomplish amazing things.
Simply because they stuck to what they believed in. I know people that are video game developers that spend their day playing games. Getting paid good money at it.

There is actually a whole market for actors in that arena as well. (the voice over actors that supply the dramatic action for games) there is a lot of talent that goes into that stuff.

Every actor wants to believe that he/she will become successful.

I think the same holds true for any artist for that matter. Actors are constantly being told to "get a real job" or to quit while your ahead. I say that if a 'mind' is a terrible thing to waste, so is a dream! Because, without the mind we cannot dream, and the dream is what drives us.

I'd like to do a PSA for all struggling and aspiring actors and artist alike. Do not let the neigh sayers and the "realist" steal your vision. Imagine yourself living that dream.

Hold your dreams close to your heart get educated about your craft and pursue it.

Never let it said that you didn't try. When you step out the opportunity will come.

Yeah, that's the way I see it...

Where Do the Lonely Hearts Go?

That has been a question that I have pondered lately.

Why do it feel like we are wondering around the halls of life alone, when we are surrounded by so many?...

In today's society it so easy to get so caught up in making a "name" for ourselves, that we often times neglect the fact that there are real people all around us. Real people with the desire to connect and be appreciated.

Today, I had the pleasure of volunteering at an elementary school field trip. The day way filled laughter and fun... (Oh, yeah and water balloons) Throughout the day I witnessed children in their element some were shy and others were very outspoken... But the one thing they all shared in common was the need to connect on some level with the other kids. No one was left alone or by themselves because everyone was connected in a greater sense of community. At first what seemed like a nice picnic evolved into a spectacle of water! Why? Because it was a party!! Kids know how to mingle! In fact, the only ones that seemed to alienate themselves were the adults.

It seems that once we reach adulthood something changes within us. We no longer want to take the time to get to know those around us. It's too much of a burden to open up just a little and let another person see us for who we are.

Why is it that, when another person comes in earshot of us we clam up?

It's like this voice that says, "don't talk to me don't come over here, I just want to supervise these kids and go home, thanks". Or is that just the voice in my head? Hmm... I get like that sometimes, but only because I've been trained to do so... I hate that feeling.

I really like people in general, I love to have deep conversations with people about nothing in particular, but then again its something all the same. You see, I love to connect with people. Just to say hey how is it going?...really? I don't want to solve people's problems I am not a therapist, but it's nice to chat. That sense of connection is life changing.

Although I must admit that I am guilty of feeling like I'm wasting my time or annoying people, by genuinely being concerned. it's kinda silly really...

Is it because a lot of times we feel people only want to get something from us? But I have nothing to give, right? Wrong! Just a little bit of your time would be plenty.

I want to live a live full of love and support from my friends..is that the country life?

Kids can teach us so much about social interaction. They don't care so much about what you have or don't have. They could really care less about how many likes your page has, or who your following on twitter. They just want to play.

So where do the lonely hearts go? I don't know, but perhaps we could discuss it over water balloons in the park? Meet you there?

Simple!