Three fathers who are role models

Jun 19, 2011 News

Fathers are very special persons; they are the first men we love, look up to and learn to depend on.
Today being Father’s Day, there was a focus on three exemplary and proud fathers.
Dr Joseph Haynes is the proud father of three boys. He reminisced a little on his own father, and on his experience as a father.
“When I was growing up, I remember my father being the kind of father who was really concerned about what was happening with his children. He followed me everywhere– when I say follow I don’t mean literally walking behind me, but he was involved in everything I did. I couldn’t do anything that he was not aware off.
“And it was not only him that was looking out for me, but fathers like him during that era. They were looking out for each other’s children, so you really couldn’t do anything without some father seeing what you did, and reporting it to your father.

Dr Joseph Haynes

“However, today we have fathers whose fathers were not like that. The generation has changed- we have gaps in the generation.”
Haynes said that too many fathers today are irresponsible. Some of them don’t even know their children, and others who know their children don’t take care of them.
“Some of them just make babies because it’s the macho thing to do, but then they don’t honour their responsibilities later on”.
He added that there are too many ‘deadbeat’ fathers today who don’t maintain their children, but spend their money on questionable pursuits.
Haynes contended out that these fathers are more often than, not the ‘seed’ of fathers who themselves never took care of their responsibility, so the cycle repeats itself.
“I’m really proud of my boys. I couldn’t wish for better children-they know I would support them in whatever they do, but yet they don’t take advantage of that.”
School principal Cleveland Thomas, echoes Dr Haynes when it comes to fathers of their ‘era’ and fathers today.
Thomas was quick to point out though that his father was not always around while they were growing up because he lived overseas for several years.
He was nonetheless very much involved in their upbringing, and supported them throughout. “He was very much concerned about our education, and would find out through mail, how we were doing. And then he would boast to his friends about how well we were doing.”
“Concerning my own role as a father now, I see myself as one who motivates, stimulates, educates, counsels and gives solid support.
“And the whole idea of being a father is that at the end of the day I should leave a lasting legacy for my children.”

Joseph John and children

By extension Thomas sees himself as a father figure to the many students at his school, as he finds himself guiding, supporting and being a strong role model for them.
“So I have to be very careful how I conduct myself as too many boys and girls are watching me, and looking for that guidance.”
“I plan to spend Father’s Day very quietly and do a lot of reflection, introspection. I can improve as a father, (and I think) I can do more to ensure my children enjoy me as their daddy.”
Cleveland Thomas is also the proud father of three. His youngest son, Ruel, proudly asserted that the thing he likes best about his father is the fact that he always reads him bedtime stories, and helps him with his homework.
Joseph John is another proud father of three. He is at present both father and mother to his children, as their mother is out of the country.
John is very aware of the great role he has to play as a father.
“I try to be always there for my children, to help and support them in every way I can. I assist them with their schoolwork–I even stay up at nights with them, so they can complete their homework. Being a father is a challenging but very rewarding experience for me.
“Right now I’m learning to do a lot of things I didn’t know to do, just to make my children happy. For instance I never knew how to make cross buns, but I learnt how this past Easter, all because of my children–and I can tell you they came out well!”
And his children Tabitha, Asheeka and Rolex are evidently proud of their dad.
Asheeka proudly proclaims, “I love my dad because he’s always there for us. Whatever we need he’ll get it for us, even if he has to go out of his way to do it.”
Little Tabitha says she wouldn’t change a thing about her dad, even if she could. And her brother Rolex agreed with her wholeheartedly.

( Enid Joaquin)