Traditionally, Valentine’s Day has been a day to tout our love for our significant others, wives, husbands and sweethearts. Boxes of chocolates, red and white greeting cards, intimate gifts and romantic candlelit dinners are often the order of the day. This year, though, I choose to show love to some others: my children.
2023 was very trying for many reasons: My homeless situation, my continual struggle to overcome my addictions, a failed marriage and a host of day-to-day trials that, at times, seemed insurmountable. However, despite all those difficulties, my four adult children have been a constant source of support, encouragement and, most of all, love. Without them in my corner, I don’t know whether I would have had the strength and the courage to carry on. And even though they were not in my life for many years, God chose just the right time to mend those old wounds and bring us all closer together to hold each other up when life’s perils threaten.
I’ve gone to each child and asked for their forgiveness. They responded the same way: “Dad, you’ve already been forgiven.” We have a daily group text in which we discuss the happenings in our lives and share guidance and support. Best of all for this day, one of my daughters was born on Feb. 14!
On Feb. 10 I celebrated one year of sobriety and avoiding harmful drugs. All of us spent that weekend together. Two children came from South Carolina, one from Suitland and the other from Brandywine, Maryland. We had ice cream and cake for about 40 people at my social club, then were off on a weekend of fun, fellowship and love.
This is gonna be a very special Valentine’s Day for all the reasons I’ve described. But the main theme for us will be a father’s love for his children and their undying love for their dear old dad.
