#1000FearlessFathers: Joe Bell on being a father “It’s my identity. It allows me to make a map that I never had as a child.”

Name: Joe Bell | Instagram: @Joe_D_Bell

What does being a father mean to you?

It means everything ! It’s my identity its allows me to make a map that I never had as a child . I am now and in the future will be able to give honest advise as well as guidance from my failures and success.

Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

I had no father experience my mother was molested by her stepfather which how I was conceived. For awhile I had no image of him and he wasn’t a nice person for years I knew i wanted to be the total opposite so I always tried to stay on my best behavior and dod the right thing. I lack confidence and an identity.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.

Absolutely! I had my first born at 18 years old by my high school sweat heart. After we split a failed at spending the time with them it should have been more than every other weekend. This allowed my young boys to question my decisions as a father and believe 100% of what mommy says. Also my experience of the child support system didn’t work in my favor.

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

I would let them know that once your child is born its not about you anymore its about them and once you put your time and energy to them I promise you they will be great in life.

If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?

Dear biological father, I hope at some part in your life you felt some type of guilt for taken advantage of a child. I wonder if you knew I existed ? Why did you not show any good sides of yourself for them to tell me about. I guess I would never know but I can tell you that I’m probably the only great thing you put on this earth.

 

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