I have had the privilege of raising three different sets of children, or rather, I have been fortunate enough to contribute significantly to their upbringing. With my first set of three, plus two nieces, I took a tough stance, instilling in them the world’s harsh realities. I emphasized the importance of staying away from drugs and drinking in moderation, often repeating these lessons, even when it annoyed them. I firmly believe that a strong, loving family is the ultimate remedy for many of life’s challenges.

As a father, I always stood my ground, especially when it came to protecting my wife and kids. By allowing my children to win arguments at times, I aimed to build their character and teach them that even someone who seems to know everything has room to learn. My second group of kids consisted of my two grandsons and a friend who practically became part of our family. I made sure they understood the family’s core values and, despite their occasional mistakes, my love and guidance remained unwavering.

My last group of kids, three girls, received an incredible amount of my time and attention. I vividly remember taking them to the movies when starting at just 3 and 4 years old. Caitlyn and CC would always jump into my arms first, while Harmony, being the older one, would stand on my foot and cling to my leg, two sound asleep as we left the theater. Our shopping adventures were countless, even if they did cost me a small fortune. One of the secrets to raising resilient children, I’ve learned, is staying committed to my marriage and truly enjoying every moment spent with them. Failure has never been an option; my dedication to my family has always come first.

I have lost in business and had to start over in life more than a few times, but in good times or bad, the family structure never changed. Money doesn’t make a family as in the beginning, as it is now; dedicated loving mothers and fathers make a home for kids to thrive.