On the good days, he is strong, wise, and kind. He puts God first as he leads his home.

On his best days, he is loving, humorous and intelligent. He remembers his struggles and pays his debts.

On the days I love him most, he listens, discusses and explains.

He is a man. He is a provider. He is a father.

He does the best he can and is often misunderstood.

He goes above and beyond but has been known to make his children angry.

He watches over his family as they sleep. He understands the duty of his call.

He is a man. He is a provider. He is a father.

He ignores the angry moments because he believes his decisions are in the best interests of his children.

He guides with words of wisdom. He loves with a fearless heart.

He protects with the power of his armor. He sees within his children images of himself.

He is a man. He is a provider. He is a father.

He stands on a firm “No” and bows to a meaningful “Yes”.

He walks with a head held high, He handles business with shoulders broad and wide.

He weathers life’s storms with silent prayers. He forges through disasters with perseverance and integrity.

He is a man. He is a provider. He is a father.

He is not ashamed to comb and braid his daughter’s hair, tie his son’s shoes nor say he loves their mother.

He speaks words of truth because they are his bond.

He fears only his God because that is his commandment.

He is a man. He is a provider. He is a father.

He consoles with a gentle spirit and cooks a meal when necessary that causes his child’s heart to dance.

He cherishes the good and bad memories of his childhood and youth because he understands that those experiences made him the man of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

His pride in family cannot be replicated. He delights in the growth and prosperity of his children. His progeny endures.

He is a man. He is a provider. He is a father.

By: Daphne Knox McClain