Name: Edmond Baker Jr City: Clute, Tx | IG: @UptownSaxman
What does being a father mean to you?
Being a single father, fatherhood means everything to me.
As I’m writing this my two daughters are cuddled up on the couch next to me. Lol
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
I had a great childhood. I’m the oldest of four. My parents met in College & got married soon afterwards. A year later I was born & my father started pastoring a church when I was four years old. My mother was minister of music & I started playing the drums for the church when I was six & the saxophone when I was eleven. My father was an excellent role model & he practiced what he preached.
Those spiritual & moral values are rooted & grounded in me & I am constantly striving to instill those same values into my children.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
Growing up as a PK (preacher’s kid) lol, my parents were very strict, so I have done & am doing my best to create that “perfect” balance of not being too strict & not being too lenient with my kids.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
Where do I start? I can write a book of obstacles! Lol
I encountered & am still encountering so many obstacles as a single father that I started an organization dedicated to assisting single fathers navigate through their own fatherhood journeys. Real talk.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. I tell my children all the time that life is too short to be getting upset or agitated over every little thing, if it’s not a life or death situation just relax, stay calm & keep a positive attitude.
The challenges we face in life can either make us BITTER or BETTER. I choose better.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father,
Looking back on my time growing up, I must admit that you were a prime example of how a man should love, protect, spend time with & provide for his family.
You raised me to have a reverence for God & faith in His word (The Bible).
You tore my butt up when I deserved it lol, & you taught me how to be a productive citizen in society.
I didn’t realize how much pressure was on you, how much you sacrificed, or how unselfish you were until I became a father myself, so I just wanted to write this short letter to say, “Thank You”.
Much love & much respect,
Your Big Son, June (nickname)
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