I was raised never knowing or even seeing my father. I always imagined, more like fantasized, what having a father looked like. I dreamed of having a father who protected me, defended me, saw me as his special little girl and everything that entailed. Mostly, I wanted to be loved. As strange as this may sound to some, I determined at a very young age that I would be very careful in determining who I would have children with. There were certain qualities that I would look for and some things were non-negotiable.
I met EJ during my Freshman year in college. We saw each other around campus and said the obligatory, “Hello”, but not much more. We were re-acquainted the summer before our junior year in the parking lot of Food Lion. Shortly thereafter, we started dating.
I have a cousin who is much younger than me, who I am very close to. This cousin would come to college with me during the summer and stay with me in my dorm apartment. EJ immediately took to him and spent time with him without any prompting on my part. He was patient and kind but so interested in making sure my cousin was OK.
I have a large family and EJ came to a family cookout for the fourth of July. I was a little nervous because his family is very small and the size of my family can be overwhelming. I watched EJ navigate and interact like it was a regular thing. He held my 1-month old cousin, which was the first time he ever held a baby in his life! I knew after that day, that he was something special.
Fast forward to 26 years and four children later and I can honestly say that I do not know a better father. EJ is the very epitome of what it means to be a Godly father in every way. I used to have to tell him to go to bed when I was staying home with newborns and he was working. There’s not a diaper he wouldn’t change, a bottle he wouldn’t feed, or anything else he wouldn’t do. He has lead our children spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Our children are now 18, 19, 21, and 23. Our roles are changing in their lives, but their dad’s love and support remain constant and consistent. EJ Sherod is the absolute best! We love him beyond what words could ever express. Every dream, fantasy, or wish that I had for myself as a child has been exceeded by what EJ gives to our children. They will never have to wonder like I did because my dream became their reality. For that, I am forever thankful.
blackandwhiteandshadesofgreen 