Week of June 15, 2016
VOL 4 ISSUE 31
1
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Week of June 15, 2016
The impact of a father never fades
Remembering Father in 2016 (L) The Colemans in 2010- Cecil, Eva, Cecily and Evana). (R) The Coleman’s after Cecil’s death - Eva, Evana and Cecily. A Gentleman’s Touch The impact of a father never fades By Eva D. Coleman My girls have fond memories of their father. Occasionally, they’ll bring up something he said or recall a place where he took them, boasting about how much fun they had. While Cecil Coleman has been physically absent from our home for nearly five years, his spirit is strongly ever present. Many were touched by Cecil’s kindness, generosity, chivalry or huge smile that brightened hearts and even his dark brown skin. However, nothing makes my day brighter than the two girls we share who reflect the same characteristics. Evana, the youngest, is an avid basketball player. She studies the game with such intense concentration, and I’ve even
observed her watching NBA classics with players like Wilt Chamberlain and others. She even watches old advertisements with players and products, gaining an understanding of endorsement deals. This 9-year-old does this completely on her own. She is methodical and strategic in her quest to join the ranks of the WNBA, which she boldly tells anyone is her goal. Her father was an entrepreneur who demonstrated the same level of determination for success as he built his clientele and gained acclaim in the limousine industry. Cecily, the eldest, dreams of being an architect. Having completed her freshman year of high school with an admirable grade point average, she’s well on her way to fulfilling this goal. Long before her freshman year, she researched architecture programs around the
country, including the type of degrees and licenses necessary, and has narrowed her school list down to three. If she keeps up her end of the deal with grades, etc., I’ll do whatever it takes to help her get to one of those private institutions. My girls have not faltered in any way since their father passed away from cancer. They’ve maintained their grades and their drive to live out their best lives. Cecil was driven and he drove the best. It’s in their nature to continue to keep their foot on the pedal and press forward. Cecily recently informed me of a milestone she has accomplished which I have yet to achieve. She has read the entire Bible! She started this quest June 2013. Now, June 2016, she has completed the mission. Often times when I’d check on her before going to bed, I’d enter her room to
quietness and light coming from her lamp shining onto the pages held in her hand. I’d kiss her cheek and she’d carry on. I never asked and never knew how far she had made it in her good book. While my girls and I experienced a devastating chapter in our lives, the plot thickens and I know the sequel will be even more rewarding. I asked Cecily about her takeaway after having finished the entire Bible and the Book of Revelation. She replied by saying, “We just have to remember that God is in control.” How one handles life begins with foundation. Knowing the true architect helps you remain grounded. With their father, foundation was always at the forefront. With me, it remains.