The Black Informant

A few words from a husband, father and writer

When I first started this site, it was meant to be an online recording of my thoughts on current events and life in general for posterity sake. I want my kids and grandkids to have some record of how I saw the world. Little did I know that so many would be interested in the thoughts of an unknown such as myself. For the last month and a half, I have been hovering between 4000-6000 visits per day so I am certainly finishing out the year with a bang. I remember being amazed when I was getting 20 hits per day. Numbers can be distracting at times (who doesn’t want to be at the top of the heap?); but I do not let it become a motivating factor for what I write. Many times I take a huge risk in losing readership due to some of the thoughts expressed here (and it happens); but being able to speak candidly in a forum such as the blogosphere is something that is far more valuable to me in the long run than any numbers game. I also enjoy the challenge of refining my thoughts against strong criticism versus the shallowness of thought that comes from speaking only to an ‘amen’ crowd.

As we come to the close of yet another year, I want to take a few moments to both share and honor the gifts the Lord has given to me. They are too big to fit under the Christmas tree, so I will just have to use cyberspace.

Jayce and Sterling - My children

You guys will never really know just how much I am proud of you and how happy you make me every time I wake up and see you. There are many times I have to restrain myself from hugging and kissing you so much because I do not want it to become too old and played out to you guys. Sterling, you are growing up to be such a wonderful individual who is maturing faster than I could ever imagine. Being the father of such a wonderful boy has been such a great experience. Playing such a key role in molding and shaping you into a man has been very challenging, but I would not trade it for anything else in the world. You were born in one of the most trying moments our family has faced so far and you have been like a rock through all of it. I do not need a crystal ball to see that you are going to be one fine individual when you enter adulthood. Please know that I am really, really proud to be your father and am grateful that you are my son. Jayce, you are my little angel and my sweetie pie. From the time we found out that you were going to be a girl, I knew that you were going to be one tough cookie with a very soft heart for people who are seen as underdogs. As your father, it is my job to nurture priceless qualities like this so that you can use them effectively when you venture out there on your own. I love holding your hand anytime we are walking in the store or just crossing the street. Sooner or later you are going to be too old for my hand and honestly, thinking about that saddens me a little. Just know that no matter where you go in life that in my heart and the depths of my memories, I am still holding your hand.

Nicole - My wife

Nicole, you have been the greatest asset to my life. Little did we know all the hell we would face in just the first 5 years of saying “I do” on that faithful day in August of 1998. When we had nothing, you did not beat me down–you lifted me up in both word and deed. Some of the greatest moments of support you have demonstrated required just you being there with me. Cheering you on in times when you needed it most has brought me so much joy. Throughout our marriage, you took employment that did not match your potential without complaint. You did this not just because we needed the money, but because you were willing to do whatever it took to protect the lifelong investment in something we both believe: our love and commitment for each other. You have been my greatest friend and only lover that I have ever known. May I never, NEVER take your love for me for granted. Yes there are many beautiful women out there, but you were the only one that captured my heart.

Some out there may think that this was a little too personal to share in such an open forum. But when you have been blessed as I have been with such gifts, you can’t keep it to yourself.

So from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.
See you in 2008!