Through life I have heard one phrase way too often, “A girl needs her dad.” While this may be true for some, this was not my life experience. I did not have much contact with my father in my life, the majority of true connection was made in the year and half prior to his passing. I have always loved my dad but, I did not always like him… While my father missed a majority of my life, I never felt incomplete or lacking in the father figure, strong men, or important male influence categories. I always had my grandfather, my uncle, and my stepfather, to guide me in important lessons and through the trials of life. I was fortunate in so many ways, ways I did not know as a child.

My step dad, Dave is the far left. My uncle Vernon is far right. My mom is next to him and my gracious Larry is in the white shirt, he's the one in my thing. And my grandpa Ken is second from the left.

My grandfather, Larry, was an extraordinary man who had accomplished so much in his life. I was lucky to have him pass as much of his knowledge on to me as he could. From a young age my grandpa would teach me everything he could about the outdoors, turning wrenches, home improvement, and anything else he could think of as situations would arise. There were so many times I did not fully appreciate the lessons he would teach me at the time. As I grew into an adult, my grandpa told me, “If I have anything to do with it, you will never need a man; instead, you will be with someone who you want to be with and who can enrich your life in more ways than fixing the things you need.” While this is a big part of the reason I grew into the woman I am today, I owe more than just my grandfather credit.

My uncle Vernon and my stepfather Dave were there for me just as my grandfather was. When I needed help and grandpa was not around or could not help, Uncle and/ or Dave would step in to fill the shoes. It is fair to say I was blessed with these men would step up and lead me. From hunting to working on my HVAC unit on my house, these men are always there if I call or send a message for help. Without their drive to show me how to be a better person day in and day out, how to handle business, and face issues head on, I would not be the woman I have grown to be.

Even though my father was not active in my life, I always had the leadership through the other men in my life to point me in the right direction. The strong will and determination I was taught from these men is something I am intensely proud of. Others do not always like strong and capable women though and can attempt to twist positive qualities, such as these, in an effort to make it sound like a flaw. However, let us not forget the fire our important male figures stoked and helped build within us. We owe it to them to keep adding wood to that flame and not let others douse it with their disapproval.

Guest Writer Christina Eade