Name: Minister Stretch Sanders | City: Las Vegas, Nevada | @_official_stretch
What does being a father mean to you?
I have only been a father for three weeks but when I tell you my life has changed, I mean it.
I feel like my daughter knows she’s safe, protected and loved. Being a farther means to me that I have the opportunity to help shape a future Woman, Mother and Wife.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My experience was not the best because my father didn’t raise me. My father was a Chicago Police Officer and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
He was very resourceful due to his connections but unfortunately my brother and I didn’t receive any of those resources. My brother and I were our fathers secret children. So we only saw him when he came to us. Part of the reason why I’m so excited to be a farther is to be to my child what I never had but always wanted.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
The main thing I’m taking from my child experience that I didn’t have is time. My father spent no time with my twin and I. And as I got older I realized that children spell love, T. I.M.E.
So what that means is you have to spend time with your children. So even know my child is small, I enjoy watching her sleep, holding her and bond LFM with her.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
So far everything has been great!
I’m extremely tired but that comes with the new born phase so it’s all good.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
I will advise new fathers to just be intentional with loving, empowering and bonding with your child.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father,
Thank you so much for showing me what a Father shouldn’t be. I mean no disrespect but your bad example was a great example for how I shouldn’t be as a father. And for that I thank you.
Love, Stretch
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