Kareem Lopez Says “Being a father means being protector, advocate, counselor, and superhero”

Name: Kareem Lopez City: Decatur GA | Instagram: @skeetmab

What does being a father mean to you?

Being a father means being protector, advocate, counselor, and superhero to my six year old daughter. I am here to guide her and make sure she knows what man represents.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My father Retired Army SFC John R. Lopez has molded me and continues to make me stronger as a man and a father. Pops has always showed how to treat women, how to be a man, and how to be a father. He has set an example on manhood through his 22 years of military service. Pops showed me how to be stable and make decisions strategically. I appreciate him for all of his advice and counsel that makes me better daily.
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What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

Pops was overseas in Bosnia with the Army for a couple years when I was a teenager. Those were important year in my life. I watched my Mom work two jobs and hold it down in the household. Pops still gave me great advice while he was overseas and made sure I knew he was always there. That showed me that no matter where you’re and how far you may be that fatherhood doesn’t stop. I make sure my daughter Lauren knows the same thing. No matter how much I have to work to provide for her. I communicate with her so she knows that her Daddy loves her.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?

I am recently divorced from my daughter’s mother. We have a great friendship after the divorce but not living in the same household with my daughter had been a challenge. I am with Lauren every Tuesday and Thursday consistently and two weekends out of every month. My daughter looks forward to our time together it’s been tough but through it all she knows that Daddy is always around.

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

Be accountable for your child. Do not take the role of fatherhood lightly. Your child is always watching you and you have to show them character daily. Show them that you are their hero. You have to make sure you’re ready for anything to take care of your responsibility to provide and protect your child at all times. While also showing thr love they need and desire.

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

Thank you for being my protector, advocate, and friend. You came from Jamaica to America and gave our family your best. You made us strong through your service tonthr country and were our moral compass to make the decisions that molded me to the man and father I am. I love you.

 

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