My name is Marcell Johnson, and I am the current Child and Family Services intern at Family Futures. More importantly, I am the father of a beautiful daughter. Below is something I wrote for my daughter, to express how much I love her and how it feels to have to be away from her when I go to work each day. I hope it resonates with those of you who are also hardworking providers for your family, whether you are a father, a mother, or any other valued parental figure in a child’s life.
Every day, I wake up and leave the house to go to work wishing I could have a few more minutes to see your resting head. A few more minutes to cuddle you and to see you smile more. You are growing so fast, and daddy sees it every day. It’s almost like I blink and you keep changing right before my eyes. One day it was your hair coming in, then the next day you started saying words. Truthfully, I am afraid that one day, you are not going to be the little one I love and know. The untold truth is that I try to be as present as I can in every moment of your life. I miss out on some of your accomplishments being busy and some days the world beats on me and overwhelms me. But then I see your face and I forget about all my troubles and I am truly happy to see you and all you are becoming. You are the biggest blessing in my life and I could withstand any hurricane or storm in my way. You are the light, and have made everything worth it. Being a father opened my eyes to see that nothing is impossible when you have a reason to do it for.
To all the parents who have to make sacrifices for their families – we SEE you, you are VALUED, and you are NOT ALONE!
