Patrice Wishart says its the “Best job I ever had!”

Name: Patrice Wishart City: Georgetown | Instagram: Patrice Sekou Wishart

What does being a father mean to you?

A father to me is a life-long protector, provider, confidant and guide. My parents split when I was about 11 years old but my father was always there for us. He taught me the value of humor, innovation and the power of education (both formal and informal). He made many mistakes but even for that I’m grateful because it laid out a map of do’s and dont’s for me. Now that I’m a father (two boys and a baby girl) I try everyday to be better at it. Patience is my biggest hurdle but the rewards of being patient with my children arw unmatched. They have a fantastic mother and that too keeps me driven to be a great parent. I hope in time that they are able to use my love and guidance and be excellent parents themselves. Best job I ever had!

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Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

My father loves knowledge and always keeps it light. Those traits helped me to excel academically, as an entrepreneur and as a father. We are still close and as he ails and ages the moments we have together are even more significant. Especially those moments that he shares with my children.

What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

My father was promiscuous and abusive. I vowed never to do both but failed at the first one. He and I had a conversation about it and he told me that he was unhappy with himself and so he tried to fill the void with liquor and women. When that didn’t work he took it out on my mom. In a way that conversation brought us closer because he reminded me that we are all human and owning up to your mistakes makes you a responsible one. There are also a lot of memories I have with him exposing my siblings and I to the world of books and adventures.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?

PATIENCE. Sometimes it still gets the best of me but most times I rise above. I was always in a hurry to teach my children how to talk and walk. Now I just bask in every moment and sometimes even lament on moments I rushed through and didn’t savor.

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Be present. As much as you can regardless of the circumstances. Make it a habit. Half of being a parent is showing up. Almost everything else is on the job training. Also let your child be an individual. Don’t live vicariously through them. Embrace their differences and watch a unique soul grow right before you.

If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?

Dear Father, thank you for absolutely everything. Your last born.

 

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