There is a saying, “I’m glad I had a praying mother.” Well, I’m here to tell you that I am blessed to have had a praying mother and father.
I was born in New York City to an NYPD officer and an MTA bus driver and a pastor. Now when I normally say this people assume my father was the cop. However, my mother who is 5’2” was the cop. Technically, the NYPD may owe me a badge because my mother went through the academy while pregnant with me.
My mother is no-nonsense and tough as nails. I still remember stories her unit would tell me about how she got the nickname Iron Mike, yes like Mike Tyson. My mother did not grow up with an easy life, she was the oldest of 4 and her mother was an alcoholic and struggled with addiction. Mom was forced to grow up very early in life and had to figure out how to survive or be swallowed whole by Harlem in the 70s and 80s. One thing about my mother is she is determined and willing to do whatever it took to break the cycle of poverty and addiction.
Now my father was born in do-or-die bed-stuy Brooklyn. He was one of 21 children, so he was always looking for his place in this world. His life was not much easier, growing up poor in the 60s had its complications due to race relations. He was a product of busing and was a part of the integration of schools in NYC. My dad found God at a very young age and put everything he had into it. He was the little kid that walked around with his briefcase and Bible. Dad was always a hard worker and kept a job because he never wanted to be forced to have to depend on anyone.
When my parents had me, they wanted to give me the life they never had. They worked very hard to provide for my sisters and me. My father taught me what it truly means to be a man, he explained to me that all I have in this world is my name and my integrity and to hold those above all else. He is a man that leads by example, showing me that anything you want out of life, you are going to have to work harder than the next person to get it. Dad is very old school and believes in the power of looking a man in the eye and giving him a firm handshake. I can truly say that if I’m half the man he is, I’ll be a great man and father.
My mom has taught me so many things over the years. She has taught me that being caring and having empathy, doesn’t make you weak but strong. She taught me the true meaning of tough love, but the truth is I needed it. Mom is the type of woman who makes anyone feel warm when you speak to her. To this day many of my friends consider her a second mom because they know she will be there for them at the drop of a hat like they were one of her own. Mom is truly my rock and I don’t know where I’d be without her.
My parents ran a tight ship and made it known that even though we were not in the best neighborhoods, inside our 4 walls they were going to teach us right from wrong. Even though I may have strayed from some of their lessons in my youth, they prayed that no hurt, harm, or danger would come to me. They still pray for me to this day, and my mission is to make them proud of me, as well as to pass on the teachings they gave me to my
children when I have them. I truly stand on their shoulders, and would not be able to live the life I do today if not for them. These are the two civil servants who inspire me to be the best version of myself every day, and for that, I say thank you.
We would be happy to schedule a time to discuss how we can help you and your family empower the next generation. Feel free to schedule a 30 Minute Zoom Meeting for us to discuss this.
This article represents the opinion of Mitlin Financial Inc. It should not be construed as providing investment, legal and/or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor.
This article represents the opinion of Mitlin Financial Inc. It should not be construed as providing investment, legal and/or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor.
