Name: Jamil Huggins City: Garland, Texas | Instagram: @jamillionaire._
What does being a father mean to you?
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
Like many, I grew up without my father. The down stream impacts are still felt today, but I’ve managed to flip it on its head. Simply put, my goal is to opposite of him; as a man and father. That’s not to bash him, but if you know better you have to do better. I was blessed with awesome father figures to show me the way. Big s/o to my uncle Travis, G-Pop and my big homie Mike! They are the real big 3! Mom is still MVP though!
What things/tools/gems did you take from your experience growing up into your Fatherhood journey today?
Memories over money! I learned that time spent with your kids is more valuable than anything dollar spent on them. Time is life’s most precious commodity. You can’t make more time. Money comes and goes. It cool to spend money on our kids but we have to intentionally Invest time with them. The dividends are paid back in endless memories and stronger bonds. No pun intended.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.
What advice would you give other Fathers on their journey?
-Be a man of your word.
-Be present.
-It’s ok to cry bro, you’re still a super hero in their eyes.
-Know that they are ALWAYS watching you! Be decent human.
-Control your anger…don’t be your kid’s first bully.
-Iron sharpens iron. You don’t have to do this alone. Find a tribe of like minded fathers and flourish together!
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father, All I wanted was your time. Life and bad choices removed you from my life and at the age of 32, I get it. I don’t respect it, but I get it. For years, I carried anger and disappointment towards you. In 2021, a year after having my first child, I decided to let my guard down in hopes to, at least, get to know you as a man. Unfortunately with your choice to cancel our plans for your friends, you delivered one final blow to my desire to build a relationship. At age 30, I felt like that broken kid waiting for you on the step. I never wanted to feel that hurt again. From that day forward, I freed myself from any anger or disappointment towards you. That’s where my feelings upgraded to motivation. Today, you have two beautiful grand-daughters. Your bloodline will continue but the generational trauma wont. It’s time for a change. I love you and pray that God continues to bless and heal you through the rest of your journey.
love,
Jamil
