Some thoughts on Father's Day from my father Albert L. Miller, Jr.

As I take time out and reflect on Father's Day 2011.  I know that I have lived a charmed life and the American dream because I had a great dad.  Many southern African Americans fathers during my time (1945 - 1964) were raised during the great depression and jim crow-ism.  My father was a WW II veteran and used the GI bill to better himself.  My dad was a blue collar worker with a trade (barber).  He had four brothers and three sisters.  His father's name was Charles Miller, affectionately known as Pa to his children.   

Through his example, my father taught me how to be creditable and to walk with integrity.  He was also a stickler for academics.  He never missed a PTA meeting with my teachers.  Even though I am very athletic, those skills were never encouraged.  My father's dream for me was for me to receive a college education.  Therefore, Morgan State College was a constant topic in our household.  My father taught me the value of hard work and doing everything well / exceptional.  I learned very early to take pride in doing work (cutting grass, painting, etc) .  I graduated from Morgan State and untold doors and opportunities were opened to me.  

I am very proud of my two sons who worked very hard for their accomplishments.  They too were taught the value of hard work and academics..  Like my father, I did not encourage athletics as a pathway to success.  However, my sons door openers and opportunities was by way of Morehouse College.   

I now have two grandsons for whom, I will continue to model .  I will be called Big Pa in honor of my grandfather.  I hope to help raise my grandchildren in a very significant way.  

Thank you Dad, for helping make all of my successes and accomplishments happen.   Thank you, for being consistent, discipline, honorable, and having extremely high standards.  Thank you, for sowing the seeds of courage, integrity, discipline, hard work, and an appreciation for doing everything well.  I greatly benefited from having these traits.  Thank you for allowing me to run my race.  There isn't enough written about the significant impact that fathers have on children.  Thank you for teaching me how to be a good model for my children and that fatherhood is a life long occupation.  

To my fellow fathers, Happy Father's Day!  Keep modeling!