Posted by ~ Sheldon Redditt on June 19, 2016
Personally Speaking
I want to thank my father, Freddie, for molding me into the man I am today. This man, through his actions, taught me the principles of manhood. He showed me how to truly treat a woman. I watched him; open doors, talk to women and ALWAYS walk on the outside of the street to ensure that she is safe at all times. Side note: it drives me ABSOLUTELY CRAZY to see a woman walking on the outside of the sidewalks or streets and there is a man on the inside. MEN, we should always be on the outside, in case a car or trouble comes, so we can protect her. I'm sorry for digressing, but as a father, these are the things that you have to teach your sons. These are the things that my Father taught me. I know that men ALWAYS protect their ladies, and that men are to always put her and the kids first. I remember, being about 5 or 6 years old and my Dad was taking us somewhere and it happened to be raining. I, not wanting to get wet, ran and jumped in the car before my sisters did. My Dad made me get out of the car to let my sisters get in first. I recall being so mad because I was wet and asking my Dad why he made me get out of the car in the pouring rain, just to let my sisters in first. My Dad explained, in his smooth and calm voice, that as a man, one must always open the door for the woman and let her get in the car first. I remember saying that they are girls but just my sisters, so why would I need to do that. I remember him saying, "you do it, because I said so, that's just what men do". I have been opening doors every since.
My Dad taught me so many things, not just by his words but by his actions. Often, during speaking engagements, I share the story of respect and tolerances of others, as taught to me by my father. I tell my story that dates back to the age of 15. My friends and I would go down to Polk Street in San Francisco and throw eggs at the gays on Friday nights. This was a big hang out for gays back then, so for entertainment, my friends and I would go and throw eggs at them for no reason at all, except the fact that they were gay. We were stupid kids. I remember coming home one Friday night to my Dad asking me where had I been. I proudly told my dad that we went down on Polk street and threw eggs at the gays. To this day, I can still see the look of disappointment on my Dads' face. The lesson he taught me that night has stuck with me and has shaped the way I treat people. My Dad asked, "what did they do to you?". My reply was, "nothing, they are gay". My Dad looked at me and asked, "so you went down there to throw eggs at them just because they are gay? What if people threw eggs at you because you are black or because you are different from them, how would you like that?". He said, "son, you don't mistreat people because they are different from you. You have to have respect and have tolerance for EVERYONE, regardless of their differences.". My Dad, being my Father. I could go on and on with amazing stories. This is the man that I emulated growing up. I tried to walk like him and talk like him. A couple of weeks ago when I was home visiting, my Mom, my Aunts and Uncles and I were talking about my Dad and I began emulating my Dad and some of the funny things he says. They said, "you sound just like him!". That is the highest compliment to me. Dad, I want to thank you for not only teaching me, but showing me how to be a man. Did I make some mistakes along the way, too many to name. But, to finally get it right, I think I am getting there! I thank you for all the great advice. I remember calling you about a year or so ago, crying and needing some advice about my son. You, in your calming voice, gave me the best advice and I'm so glad that I listened to you. I know we don't talk as often as we should, but when we do it's like we pick up where we left off. Dad, thank you for giving me the love of travel; for teaching me that there are so many amazing places in this world to explore. Thank you for teaching me how to play chess, while explaining to me that if I can master the game of chess, I can master life. I haven't lost a game of chess in 18 years, even going as far as beating a member of Indian national chess team! LOL. So, on this one special day that we get to brag on our Fathers. I want to say, thank you Dad for being a true example of what a Father should be.
Happy Father's Day!
Love,
Your Son, Sheldon
