Page 6 - Patrick Tyus Homegoing Program

To My Father
The father of a righteous child has great joy...Proverbs 23:24
Daddy, you are my true superhero! You rescued me and set my life on a successful path that would defy statistics based on traumatic situations in my life. When society thought it was not common, you took the charge of raising me as a single father and never looked back. You instilled lifelong principles in me that have made me the woman I am today. For things you could not teach me, you surrounded me with dynamic people who all left a positive impact on my life. I always wanted to make you proud, and that goal drove me to reach my accomplishments. Every time I messed up in life.... you were right there with loving arms and sometimes tough love and a belt, especially when I burned down your shower curtain and snuck out to Fairlane (sorry about that).
Daddy trying to find the words to tell you how much you mean to me is really hard right now. This pain is heavy and deep. I feel a void, an emptiness that I would not wish on anyone. To hear you tell me you were tired and ready to go to heaven, I felt so selfish for wanting to hold on to you a little longer. I know you want me to be strong, but I feel vulnerable and weak right now. For all the times you pushed me, even when I thought something was too hard or out of my reach, I now know you were preparing me for when you would make your transition.
You have been teaching and grooming me all of my life to be strong, determined, a woman of faith, to not let past mistakes define me, to be my best and do my best, to maintain my standards, to forgive, to love, to live in the moment, to not let people or situations get me down, to have fun, to handle business, confront conflict, have courageous conversations, and to not be fearful. Thank you for teaching me how to love, cherish, and not be afraid of submitting to a Godly man.
You told me you loved how we always made the time we spent together count with good memories. You taught me how to be vulnerable by sharing your personal secrets with me because you trusted me. After all, we were all we had in the beginning. Every time I hear our song, “Lovely Day,” I remember you telling me when you would look at me the world was alright with you.
I cannot stop thinking about the time when you told me it’s going to be hard when you die, but I have to keep moving forward so I can continue your legacy and teach it to your grandchildren so they will also be successful.
Back in October you asked me if I was going to be okay. I want you to know I will be okay. I have a lot of family and friends surrounding me, lifting me up, and supporting me. Most importantly, I have a husband who loves me like how you loved Gloria.
Last week you kept staring at me on Zoom and I asked you, “Daddy, what are you looking at? And you responded, “How much you favor me.” I favor you and God favored us. You charged me with some incredibly tough things to do, but it just goes to show me how much you knew I could get the job done. I think this is probably every parent’s dream, to see their child go further than them and know they will do well in life. You have prepared me to take my place in our family. You told me the things you wanted me
to take care of and just know it will be handled! You told me when you leave to keep moving forward and to live for joy.....I promise I will. I love you!! Thank you for giving me so many lovely days.
Your loving daughter, Tara LaMonica