Name: Fred Whit | City: Newport News VA | IG: @frederickwjr

What does being a father mean to you?

A father, to me, means being a provider, protector, leader, as well as a supporter. Being the person that no matter what is going on in the world, my children feel safe with me. A father also means being there for your children and enjoying those moments with them because we can never get those moments or time back.

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

My father was always in my life. He is still there for me now. He had to drop out of college to be there for me since he had me at such a young age. I’m beyond thankful for him because he has to showed me how to be a man in this world, but he also showed me how and what a father is supposed to do for their family. He leads by example.

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

My father dropped out of college and got a trade job to provide for my siblings and me. That alone showed me how important it is to be a father and how much responsibility comes with it.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?

Yes, when my daughter was born, I was living in LA at the time, but she was living in VA. I would travel back and forth across the country to see her every weekend. And it was mentally draining. So I decided to make VA my base and travel to LA just for work. I felt like being in my daughter’s life consistently was more important to me than anything else.

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

Enjoy the process. Fatherhood is a blessing.

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

Dear Father, Thank you for being there for me and showing me how a father is supposed to love and take care of his family. Thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do.

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