Father’s Day is upon us, and I can’t help but pay homage to the poetic words spoken by my girls Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue: “I wanna take a minute or two and give much respect due to the man that’s made a difference in my world.” You know the song I’m talking about — “What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man,” makes me smile just thinking about it.
There are a lot of good men in our community. Now, to the women who will read this article, I ask that you not try and come after my “strong woman card.” Yes, I am a strong woman, and there are many strong women in our community. But today, I want to give honor where honor is due. I want to give a high five, a head nod and thumbs up to the unsung heroes in our community. Today, I want to salute our men.
I believe celebrating our men is important, because we have become a society that has turned Father’s Day into a celebration of our amazing, fabulous, two-jobs-having, graceful, I-wish-you-would, try-me-if-you-want-to mothers.
And I am here to confess that I, too, am guilty as charged. For more years than I truly want to admit, I gave out two cards on Father’s Day: the traditional Father’s Day card went to “Daddy Nate,” and the sentimental heartfelt card went to my mother, who is the strongest woman I know.
You may wonder, why did I do this? To be honest, I really don’t know. Daddy Nate is an amazing man, he loved me unconditionally and was always there for me, but my mom … well, she moved so gracefully between the roles of mother and father I felt she deserved a little credit, too.
I did this for years, never giving a second thought about how my actions impacted Daddy Nate — or my mother. One day, I realized that honoring my dad didn’t diminish the love I have for my mother. I love them both equally and realized that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day provide me with an opportunity to honor them, to shower them with love and say thank you for everything they have both poured into me. What an awesome blessing.
My dad always has my back. I remember once I scraped the side of his new car when I pulled up to a drive-thru window. I just knew he would be angry, and I was so scared to tell him. When he saw the damage, he didn’t say anything, and he didn’t say no when I asked him to borrow the car again. My dad is my No. 1 fan and is always totally honest with me. He is also one of a handful of people who has absolutely no problem saying, “Maggie Ann, you are wrong.” Of course, I like to think I’m right, but I love him for his willingness to keep me grounded.
When I look at my father, I see a gift from God. He is my dad and he loves me … no matter what. Unconditionally. It is a love that can’t ever be broken. I can’t help but honor him, because out of all the men in the world, God blessed me with him.
Fathers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Some are single and some are not. Mentors, uncles and friends all serve as father figures. If you are a man and you are influencing the life of a small child, adult, cousin, friend, sister, brother or someone you love — today, I honor you!
Now I am about to do something I know I shouldn’t do. I know you should never do shout outs, but I want to acknowledge some amazing dads who are making a difference in the lives of our babies, so here I go! Shout out to Congressman Carson, Mayor Joe, Pastor Robinson, Alan, Adairius, Joe Larry, Dave, DC, Senator Taylor, Councilor Robinson, Councilor Osili, Councilor Miller, Corey, Nate, LeRoy, Bernice, Emmanuel, Lacy J, James, John, Dr. Adams, and Rev. Covington. You all make fatherhood look easy, and I know it isn’t. Thanks for loving our children and being great dads, role models and friends! You are wonderful examples of mighty, mighty good men.
Now you know I cannot end this article without giving a shout out from the mountaintops to the father of my child, LeRoy Lewis III. We have been blessed with a beautiful family and love. You always provide a strong hand of support. You show up and show out, and you are always right where we need you. For that, I honor you!
It does take an entire village to raise a child, and fathers, dads and pawpaws, you are a key part of this village … and for that I honor and salute you!
“The love of a Father is one of life’s great masterpieces!”
Enjoy your special day!
Happy Father’s Day!
Maggie A. Lewis is president of the Indianapolis City-County Council.
