Dignity: Life Changing Event

Yesterday we dropped our son off at college. He is going to Curry College with the goal of becoming a special education teacher. Anthony has had this dream since he was a sophomore in high school. This goal was supported by his teachers, administrators, and his family. Many of us saw the gifts he had, and we wanted to help him realize his mission and vision and that is to become an educator.

I found it interesting that when I would tell people about sending Anthony to college most people would ask how his mother is doing. I think there is still this belief that we as men do not show that emotional connection because we feel we must be strong for our family especially when they are on the next journey in their lives which will eventually lead to your children leaving home and starting their own lives. I will say this that although we show it in different ways my wife, his siblings, and I will miss having Anthony around every day.

As Anthony’s father my duty is to do what I can to support him so that he can live out the dreams and goals he has set for himself. Part of that is supporting him financially to the best of my ability. It is the one thing that scares me. I would never want to be the reason for him not to be the best person he can be. I will do what ever it takes for my children to be their best selves as would their mother. It is what we should do as parents. It is something I have learned in my successes and failures as a father. My kids will tell you that I worked a lot when they were growing up. They would be right about that, but I had a mission, and it was to provide the best possible life for them so that they can live out their dreams like I have been able too.

I will miss having my son around, but I was able to be his coach on the unified track team for 2 years and I was able to support him when he put on his first breakdancing competition, and I was there to see his face as he was subjected to years of countless “Dad Jokes.” As fathers and men, we feel emotions, but we show them in different ways. There is still that stigma that we must be the rock for our family. It was interesting to me that my son would tell people to take care of me because I hold my emotions on the inside. That is the kind of person he is always looking out for others.

Maybe at times I do hold my feelings inside, but I want him to know how excited I am to be on this journey with him. My job is to help ease the burdens of outside influences that could hinder his dreams. God willing, I will be there when he graduates and begins his journey into adulthood.

My wife and I have been blessed with children we can be proud of. Each of them has their own dreams and goals. Our hope is that we have instilled in them the principles of honor dignity and the importance of treating others the way we wish to be treated.

Anthony, I will miss you laughing at my jokes, I will miss listening to you and your mother as you watch your favorite show or the laughter and trash talking you, your mother, and Dakota do when you are playing games. It will be in the silence that I will realize how much I will miss having you around every day. Know your family is here for you and we will work hard every day so that you can live out your dreams.

“There is no greater joy in being a parent then seeing you children accomplish more than you could ever imagine.” Charles Redd (the proud father of Cassandra, Dakota, and Ant-One)

Charles Redd RN

Dignity Freedom Fighter