My dad was a man who was very strict in his ways of doing things; he would tell you what to do, but would not show you how to solve a problem or an issue. For example, my dad was good at mathematics; if you couldn’t do or understand what three times four equaled (12), he would call you derogatory names, or slap or spank you with a leather belt or electrical cord.
My dad was a difficult man to get along with. Some days he would smile and laugh with other people, but when it came to me and my mother, he would be angry and upset, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
My father never told me he was proud of me. I remember I had given him a plaque for Father’s Day, and he never appreciated it. I remember graduating and receiving my diplomas in elementary, junior high, and high school, and he was never proud of me.
My dad took me to Puerto Rico when I was five years old. My first flight was on Continental Airlines, and then he flew with me and my mother to Sacramento to see my uncle, my mother’s brother. My dad took me to see the Washington Commanders games. He even gave me his ticket to go to the FedEx Stadium to the game to see them play the New Orleans Saintswith his friend, Franchises Thomas.
My dad took me to the Barnum & Bailey circus and the Universal Soul circus. I had some good times with my dad, but my dad was a difficult man to get along with. He would criticize everything you did and said.
