Name: Jermain Miller | City: New York City, NY | IG: @Jermainmiller
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a positive role model that leaves a lasting powerful impact long after I am gone. To raise my children to become the best versions of themselves to believe that they can do be and have anything they desire. To teach my children how to think not what to think and that they control their destiny.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
I actually didn’t meet my father until I was 21. It impacted me greatly growing up as I was raised by two women. My mom who was a provider only and my grandmother who was my mental and emotional support who showered me with love. However without that male support I looked up to who I thought were leaders and did not understand that while these people appeared successful and mentors they had inner battles that I did not want to mirror. It caused a lot of heartache and pain.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
Being present with my children is important. Finding out who they are what they like investing time with them. Not looking at them as chores or responsibilities but as my duty and obligation to create a life for them that gives them the freedom to be who they want to be not what society tells them to be.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
Yes. My own inner battles and insecurities that I had to work on. My own fears and concerns. Being a provider.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
To set goals for what they want for their family and as well as themselves. It’s important to have an image of that.
If you wanted to write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father,
I just want you to know that I don’t hold any grudges toward you for the decisions you made in the past. It would bring great joy to me if you would not worry about all the time we missed and focused on the time we have moving forward as well as time with your grandchildren.
