Name: Terrell Pinson | City: Plano TX | IG: @Iam_sipp10
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a father to me means, being a lifelong friend, being someone they can look up to. I don’t live with my daughter but there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for her, to show her that her dad loves her so much. Fatherhood means life.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My experience with my daughter was tough, I had my daughter my junior year of college. At the time I was playing college football, so it was really hard to see her but I made a way and did my best. We were in fall camp getting ready for the season, after practice August day I arrived back to my locker to see that I’ve missed several calls; only to know that my daughter was on her way. I quickly went and told one of my coaches. This man had the audacity to tell me my one and only daughter would be here when camp was over. I looked at that man like he was a peasant. I quickly showered and got on the road 5 hours headed to Mississippi. My daughter is very special, she’s so smart and I’m so in love with who she is growing to become. Being a father gave me purpose, being a father changed my life for the better, I was only 20 when she was born but I feel as though, I was a man. Not knowing I was far from being a man, especially the man she needed me to be. Everything that I’m doing now is to show her that daddy will always be there for her no matter how far I’m away. I’m getting sad just thinking about not being with her lol
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
Well my father was the type that was there and supported the family financially but when it came to actually talking to his Son about life. He was absent, so you know I strive to make sure I talk to my daughter about life, her goals, the impact she’s going to have in this life. I try to always speak positive affirmations to her because I needed that as a youth. I never had those 1 on 1 conversation with my father and it played a significant role in how my life played out. No I’m not in jail but that’s because of my moms, but I lacked a lot of info that I needed to receive from him
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
My biggest obstacle over this fatherhood journey would be the fact that I’m not there physically with my daughter, it hurts so much. Her mother and I didn’t work so I don’t currently live in the same state so it’s very tough, but you can ask my daughter right now what I’m trying to do and she’ll tell you her daddy is trying to be a millionaire so he can provide for me. That’s my biggest obstacle, just being without her, I can’t raise her the way I’d want but I do my best, I’m not the most perfect father by far but I try to give her what I didn’t have and that’s a voice she can come talk to whenever
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Make sure she’s your wife
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father, thank you for everything you didn’t do, it made me a better father because I now know what a young child needs growing up
