Name: Darrell O’Neal | City: Columbus, OH | IG: @DJDurl and @FatherhoodFraternity
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a father means that everything I do will impact the quality of life for my kids. I make sure to lead my family with love and i strive to make sure everyone is heard and understood.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My father has always been a hard worker, and that took away from our quality time. He did what he felt was best and I never needed anything in my childhood because he provided it. What I learned from that is, I can shower my kids with gifts, but I know from experience, that your presence, as a father, is more valuable than anything you can buy.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
I took the negatives and I am making them positives. The lack of attention and patience that I felt, I am being more aware of that with my daughters. I don’t always succeed, but I do check myself when I am going off the path.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
My biggest obstacle has been myself. My way of thinking about myself some times hinders me. I have a bad self image and I almost started to pass those thoughts and actions to my daughter, and once I noticed it, I cut it
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Find your tribe and ask question. Like a lot of questions. To yourself, and to others.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father,
I thank you for your efforts and insight. I apologize that it took so long for me to understand, but I am glad our relationship has grow so much since I have become a father.
| List 5 fathers you cosign. (Add their IG names) | |
|---|---|
| 1 | @detroitfather |
| 2 | @ohitsdevin |
| 3 | @diontesays |
| 4 | @yavesellis |
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