On June 17, 2023, we had our first Daddy/Daughter Brunch and it was amazing!!! There were 5 dads and 11 daughters. We started the day with an introduction and prayer. While the families ate, I played "Everything" by Mary J. Blige. I thought that was the perfect song to dedicate to the daughters from their dads.
While eating, one of our teen members spoke about how not having her biological dad in her life has affected her. It was a very tear-driven moment, but she received compliments and applause for her willingness to share her story. If you see this 16 year old in person and the relationship with her step-dad, you wouldn't think she had anything deep going on. People often hide how they really feel and what they're going through for various reasons, and one is because they may not know how to deal with it. One thing I love about her step-dad is that he doesn't like to use the word "step-dad". To me that signifies a man that is all in when it comes to being a dad/father.
After the young lady spoke, the dads had to come up and tell their daughters what they loved about them. That was also a tear-driven moment. I asked the dads to do that because children need to know that their parents love them, hear their parents say it (everyday) and see/feel that love from their parents actions. Afterwards they gave each of them a rose and I presented them (dads) with a gift bag.
Everyone took pictures, danced on the 360 photo machine, laughed, cried, and had major fun. The day ended with everyone feeling overjoyed, grateful, and loved. My mission was once again complete.
Katura "Ms. Nykhi" Jackson
