Name: Calvin Ross | City: Atlanta, GA | IG: @calvinross
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a father to me means being a provider, friend, counselor, role model and an overall support system to your offspring.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My Father was everything to me growing up. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew Honestly my father wasn’t in my life for the most part. I was placed in foster care with my older sister when I was only a few months old, and stayed there until I was 9. My father was addicted to crack cocaine and also an alcoholic. I do remember him bringing us gifts for Christmas and birthdays, and picking us up to take us places with him. I didn’t build a real relationship with my father until I was 15. I would say not having that relationship made me extremely strong and forced me to make sure I am always in my child’s life. I learn from things I see, hear, and experiences through life. So the things I’ve been through I don’t want my children to ever witness.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
I realized early on that in order to be a great father, you have to be willing to make sacrifices. Being selfish isn’t an option if you want to be the best dad you can be.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
Yes, I’m a recording artist. And me pursuing my career does involve spending a lot of time honing in on my craft, traveling, and making sure all my business is in order with my music. But I always make sure I let my kids know I love them and give them time daily! A 30 minute FaceTime call can make a world of difference, and my children are excited to see my face through that phone everyday.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
It’s not the easiest thing to do. You literally have to give up a piece of yourself and put that piece into what you’ve given birth to on this earth. You don’t have to have all the money in the world but being able to provide your child with their needs and wants is a feeling that is unmatched. If at the very least just make sure you’re able to give your children TIME ! Every little second counts with them and they can cherish that the remainder of their lives.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father, I want you to know I’m proud of you. I know it wasn’t easy for you to go through the things you went through while being away from your children. But you always made sure we knew who you were. You popped up on us and gave us some time. Something you knew we needed with you. I know you wanted to do much more for us than what you were able to but one of the biggest things you did for me was always insured me that I made you proud. Well, you made me proud too dad. Thank you for being such an amazing spirit. Until we meet again, I love you.
