What's crazy is I heard this song just the other day and got teary eyed; It's One of my dad's favorite songs; I don't talk about this much in public, but My dad didn't have his dad growing up -- so even though I am blessed to have a father, there have been several times in life where I Feel like, him not having one, left him without 'really knowing' what to do as one; But I respect him because he's always done the 'best he can' from his experiences in life.

I also loved what you said about your grandfather; sometimes that's how things go; My sister's father was always absent in her life; always missing appointments; again not really my place to speak on that; My father however, was always there for her - always treated her as his own. I guess I share that because it still Does take a village - life happens, and sometimes we will need others to step in and 'take the place' of the people missing in our lives.

For my dad, it was always his Uncles who acted as 'male father figures' - i think all black men need that as boys; even if their biological cannot be there; or isn't there for whatever reason; a good black man to model yourself after, is always needed (in this white man's world) --- thanks for writing this sir.... triggered a few emotions; Def. resteeming this in a moment -- @orignalworks come give this man his love -