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What does it take to be a Dad? Ten fathers tell all From diapers to dreams, Bermuda’s fathers reflect on the joy of bringing up children
Profiles: Pete Saunders Pete is married to Annesa Saunders, and together they are the proud parents of Dakari, a happy and loving six-year-old with cerebral palsy. Pete runs the website www.razorsanddiapers. com, dedicated to helping Bermuda’s fathers with their children. He also writes a blog on how to have better relationships with your children. n Dwayne Arnold Caines Dwayne is the public and media relations manager for the Bermuda Police Service. He is married to Roshanda and has three children — Deshay, 23, Dasha, 14, and Dori, 13. He loves sports, travelling, spending time with his family, teaching and public speaking. n Terry Hassell Terry is a probation officer/case manager for the Department of Court Services. He has been married to Andrea (nee Gilbert), for 26 years and they have three children, Teniko, 25, TeAnn, 19, and Tenae, 17. n Peter F. Wilson Peter is married to Suzanne K. Wilson. He has six children; three with my first wife, a daughter Kate, 37, and sons Jack, 34, and Joe, 27. He has three sons with Suzanne — Seth, 20, Rory, 18, and Finn, 12. Peter is an entrepreneur and promoter of the CUT Complex, a sports-tourism project. n Tim Petty Tim is an assistant sales manager at Auto Solutions (formerly HWP Group) and has two children, Rachael, 19, and Christian, 15. He is married to Lee. Tim is president of Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association and sits on the Friends of Southlands committee. He is also an ambassador for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation. n Ephraim Divine Ephraim is the online sales and marketing executive for the Bermuda Sun.
He is married to Kristin and is the proud father of two children, Aeziah, a threeyear-old boy, and Aria, an eight-months-old girl. Ephraim describes himself as “a determined and hardworking individual who aspires to be a success and leave behind a legacy for my children and generations to come”. n Vance Gilbert Vance is a prison officer/ locksmith and maintenance worker at Westgate Correctional Facility. He has been married to Diane (Bermuda Sun sales and marketing executive) for 24 years and is the proud father of Vanessa, 12. n Sanjay DeSilva Sanjay, 24, is a junior operations assistant at Atlantic Vision Care and has a threeyear-old son, Cruz. Although he and his son’s mother are separated, he says: “We are both there for our son. I want to make sure Cruz reaches his dreams.” n Bruce Jackson Bruce is an entrepreneur and a father-of-four to Chris, 24, Hunter, 17, Townie, 16, and Piper, 10. n Jamel Thomas Jamel, 26, is also known as the rapper Propa. He works in the sales department of CableVision and in his spare time, writes, raps and sings. Jamel describes himself as “a cool, easy-going guy with big aspirations”. He wants to be “the best role model” for his two sons, Sajai, one, and Jasir, four. n
What do you enjoy most and also least about being a dad? Pete Saunders: Fatherhood is one of the most rewarding learning opportunities for me. I get the opportunity to improve my listening and communication skills, my patience and to be completely accepting of others.
‘Parenting is not a popularity contest. I say my wife is the police, I am the national guard.’ dwayne caines Public and media relations manager, Bermuda Police Service n Photos supplied
protector: Dwayne Caines with his daughters Deshay, Dasha and Dori. I also notice that when I pay attention to my son I learn a great deal about life and my purpose in it, about myself, my son, love, compassion and true happiness. My son is my greatest teacher. I believe the same is true of all children. We just need to pay attention. I enjoy the learning moments that children provide. The thing I enjoy least about being a dad, or just a parent, is disciplining my son. Although we usually talk
with him about doing “the right thing”, he does slip up sometimes, just as adults do. And, of course, there are consequences. Most times the consequences are loss of privileges; a few times it’s a spanking on the hands or buttocks. It actually hurts me when I do either. However, I personally believe that it is necessary to preventing bigger problems later on. Dwayne Caines: I enjoy the ability to be able to help shape the characters of my daughters.
I believe as a father I am their priest, provider and protector. Priest — to be a spiritual example to my daughters. Provider — to ensure that all of their needs are met. Protector — to the best of my ability, to make sure that nothing harms and that nothing happens to them, by creating a protective hedge around them for safety. What I enjoy least is having to discipline them or to make the tough decisions that they sometimes do not like. Parenting is not a popularity contest. I say my wife is the police, I am the
‘My son is my greatest teacher. I believe the same is true of all children. We just need to pay attention’ pete saunders Razors & Diapers
loving: Pete Saunders with wife Annesa and son Dakari.
national guard. There is nothing after the national guard so if I’m called in… well! Terry Hassell: There are not too many things about fatherhood that I do not enjoy, however, if I had to name one thing it would be the loss of sleep over the years. Is there any way I can get that back (laughing)? My greatest joy of being a father is watching the growth and development of my children. I am the most blessed father in the world and have been blessed with children who are very loving, compassionate and caring. To know that in some way I was responsible for their development, sometimes not knowing exactly what I was doing, brings a sense of joy that makes me smile on the inside. I love hanging out with them. They have moved from being my children, to being my friends. This joy is shared with my wife and together, we enjoy their company. I can truly say that becoming a father 25 years ago was one of the greatest joys of my life. n Do you think being a father today is harder, easier or just different than before? See fatherhood, page 22
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fatherhood: How to give the next generation the best chances in life Continued from page 21 Pete Saunders: Actually, I believe it is the same, for the most part. I realize it may seem harder to some because of the lack of support some fathers receive from society, in general. Fathers today face the same challenges fathers have always faced. Fathers have to balance work, life, relationships, and social issues, including attacks on the family and their role in it. As fathers, we just have to remain focused on our responsibilities, and don’t be distracted by smoke screens caused by various kinds of social injustice. We do not need permission to be fathers. We don’t have to wait until people or things change, or improve. We are fathers now. Dwayne Caines: It is not easier or harder, it is different. I am thankful, as today; I have so many good male role models — my father, my uncles and other mentors. I have taken the good things and learned. The things that I did not like served as a teaching opportunity for me to grow and not make the same mistakes. Terry Hassell: Being a father today I believe, is no different than any other time. The fundamental principles are the same. We are to love our children, support them, look out for their best interests, discipline them, nurture them, guide them, and just be there for them. Our presence is far more important than our ability to buy presents for them.
‘The most successful fathers in the world are those fathers who have a continued and engaged presence in the life of their children.’ terry hassell Probation officer/case manager, Department of Court Services
laughter and forgiveness: Terry Hassell with his wife Andrea and children TeAnn, Tenae and Teniko. Many people have asked me how I did it. I simply respond by telling them that I just continue to show up. I am engaged in my children’s lives. When they were younger I went to church with them; I went to ballet classes; I went to football games, and was their biggest cheerleader; every instrument they played, I encouraged. The bottom line is that the most successful fathers in the world are those fathers who have a continued and engaged presence in the life of their children. n
What characteristic best describes your ‘fathering’ style, or how you parent as a father? Pete Saunders: My son has cerebral palsy, which
comes with a few challenges, including speech, mobility, and bladder control issues. Outside of those things, he makes sure to take his time to enjoy life. He picks flowers and other plants, smells them, stores them and shares them with others. He also collects seeds and rocks, and has a tendency to just plop himself down on any surface — clean, dirty, wet, dry, muddy, grassy, whenever he’s doing these things. He loves to prank others and generally have a good time. I see my role as facilitating these things to happen and to keep him safe. I also have a secret mission of instilling in him a belief that anything, and everything, is possible. One of my goals is to help him realize that cerebral palsy does not limit him, but rather provides him with a great deal of opportunities to truly experience
and enjoy life. So, at this stage on his journey, he wants to explore the world, and I serve as his navigator, co-explorer and ‘co-lifeenjoyer’.
our children can be open and honest about any and everything. We don’t hide things from them or over-protect them. I realize that one day they will have to choose their own path and make their own decisions. Because of this, we have never disallowed a conversation or prohibited information. On the contrary, we have found that when we share meals together (every day) our conversations are deep, engaging and funny.
‘I would wish that more kids would stay involved in sports past the age of 15 in Bermuda.’ tim petty President, Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association
Dwayne Caines: I am a bit of Bill Cosby with a sprinkle of Archie Bunker and a dab of Martin Lawrence. Bill Cosby: The down-toearth pragmatic father who lives for his kids but does not accept excuses.
‘The children do not always expect me to agree but they do expect me to be there for them and to listen.’ peter f. wilson Entrepreneur and promoter of the CUT Complex
education: Peter F. Wilson with some of his family.
Archie Bunker: I like things done a certain way, and like tradition. I have my own chair and can be a little old fashioned at times. Martin Lawrence: I love to laugh; I enjoy jokes; I enjoy the smiles on my daughters’ faces. If they say when they get older, ‘My daddy was my father but also my friend’, my living would have not been in vain. Terry Hassell: I am not sure I have a particular ‘fathering’ style. I am very eclectic in my approach. I have learned from many
persons and just apply what I think may work. As a deeply spiritual person, I apply spiritual principles to everything we do and say. It is from this foundation that we live our lives. There are days when I am still not sure what I am doing, as a father. If I were to choose a characteristic that defines how I father my children, it would have to be humour. I have learned how to laugh at myself and with my wife and children. Not every day is a laughing day, but humour has always been in my family. My wife and I have also created a space where
giving back: Tim Petty One other characteristic would be forgiveness. When I am wrong, I acknowledge that I am, and ask my children to forgive me. I have also learned how to forgive them when they make mistakes. Laughter and forgiveness go a long way. Peter F. Wilson: Being there, firm but fair, with rules, including good manners. The children do not always expect me to agree but they do expect me to be there for them and to listen. See fatherhood, page 23
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fatherhood: Your life changes forever once you become a dad Continued from page 22 Being there is not always in person; it is their mental knowledge that they can rely on you; that knowledge gives them strength. I enjoy talking to each of them and watching them grow. Fathering changes as the children grow. Before they are 18, I tell them that I am not there to be their friend, I am there to guide. Hopefully, friendship will come later, developed out of that childhood trust. You can’t live your life through your children. Seth, Rory and Finn say that my fathering style is ‘old-fashioned’! Tim Petty: I leave everything to my wife! Just kidding. For some reason my own kids seem to fear me even though I have never given them any reason to think that. Hopefully, they don’t read this article, I wouldn’t want to change that impression! If I had to answer, I think I am a relaxed, easygoing, fun-loving parent. I get on them about their manners and how they treat their fellow man both
‘Always put your family first. You may not be liked for decisions that you have to make but you will be respected for making the right moves that put you and them in a better position.’ ephraim divine Online sales and marketing manager, Bermuda Sun
on and off the playing field, all qualities which are important to me, but I do not pressure them as much as I should about things like schoolwork. n What advice do you have for new dads? Ephraim Divine: Prepare for the best change that you will experience. There is no book out there that will provide you with all of the support and answers that you may need, but that’s okay because you have the chance to build a system that works for you and your family.
I am fortunate to still have my father in my life, who is still my role model, and the best gifts that he has given to me are his time, encouragement and some amazing experiences that I play through my head during hard times. So for me, the father of two beautiful children, I am in the process of mixing lessons learned from my parents and life experiences of my own and my wife’s, to produce a foundation that best suits us. Always put your family first. You may not be liked for decisions that you have to make but you will be respected for making the right moves that put you and them in a better position.
privilege: Ephraim Divine with daughter Aria and son Aeziah. Enjoy it, love your children, laugh, and live life. I have become a better man since the birth of my eldest son, Aeziah LovingDivine. And now with my eight-month-old daughter, Aria Divine, I am doing a few things differently because I learnt from firsthand experience. Jump in headfirst and don’t see it as a chore — it’s actually a privilege. Vance Gilbert: Lead by
‘Show respect to your wife or children’s mother — it’s very important that my daughter sees how I treat her mom/my wife so that she knows how she should be treated.’ vance gilbert Prison officer, Westgate Correctional Facility
role model: Vance Gilbert with daughter Vanessa
example. As a father with a 12-yearold daughter, I want to be her number one role model. Show respect to your wife or children’s mother — it’s very important that my daughter sees how I treat her mom/my wife so that she knows how she should be treated. Spend quality and quantity time. Spending time with my daughter allows me to get to know her, and develop, nurture and bond with her to establish and build up trust. Sanjay DeSilva: Stick to it. I never even changed a diaper before Cruz was born. Jamel Thomas: To be as gentle and affectionate as you can with your newborn. Children gravitate to a parent’s touch and sound of voice. Whether they are awake or asleep they will be able to sense you. n Do/did you have a fathertype role model? If yes, who was it and how has he influenced you? If no, how has it affected you as a dad?
Peter F. Wilson: Yes, I had my own father, Fred Wilson, and he was very old-style, as in “Do as I say, not as I do!” A wartime sergeant, he knew how to intimidate and he didn’t brook any argument. However, he was very principled working class, left school at 14 — the normal age at the time — and took himself to night classes, where he met my mother. He was a strong believer in education as a passport to life. He passed that belief to me and I pass it on to my children, with the caveat that education is more than school and passing examinations. I tried debating that one with my Dad. “Son, don’t argue with me; pass the examinations and then educate yourself,” was his response. I am not really aware of the boy who became my father. I think that, in oh so many ways, that is the view we have of our parents. They come ready formed. We do not see them grow. We do not appreciate change. They are a fixed point in our own growth. Even an absent or dead parent takes that role. The person who doesn’t know his or her own parent has a desire to find that person. But do we look out of interest, for self-awareness, for knowledge, or simply to excuse our own inadequacies? For myself, I often have conversations with my father, who died on January 18, 1976, two weeks before my first child was born; strange, as the actual conversations were far less in life than in death; but he did die and I do still converse with him in my mind. As such he was, and is, a moral guide. Bruce Jackson: My father has passed away, but he influenced me heavily as a dad. He made a point of attending events for me See fatherhood, page 24
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fatherhood Continued from page 23
‘To be an effective dad in today’s world a man would have to be present in his children’s lives. Calling your child can only go so far — a child also needs your physical time.’ jamel thomas (propa)
be there: Jamel Thomas (Propa) is a father to sons Sajai and Jasir.
Writer, rapper, singer
and my siblings, and I’ve always tried to do the same. My favourite times with him were the random oneon-one times, going to the hardware store to buy a rake, having fish and chips Saturday afternoon without concern, whether it was dinner time or not.
I try to spend relaxed, unscheduled time with each of my children as a result. Tim Petty: My father was very involved in youth programmes as the leader of the scouts in Bermuda many years ago, and set an incredible example for me as I grew up, working with kids and giving back
to the community. My maternal grandfather was a very keen sportsman and while my father wasn’t very athletic, my grandfather was, and instilled a deep love and appreciation for sports in me and my siblings. He supported us in all of our athletic endeavours. Between the examples that these two set for me, I always knew that I would be involved in sports one way or another and to give back to the community in some way. n
What does it take to be an effective dad? Vance Gilbert: Discipline and set standards for your children for life and living. Be a good listener so that you can understand your child/ren, and this will give you the ability to meet them at their level. Play an active part in their development (education and other interests etc.), as well as emotionally and spiritually. Ephraim Divine: I feel that to be an ‘effective dad’ we have to do more in this time and age. Communication is key. In the climate of technology and social media many parents are finding out about who their children are in a public environment. I am working hard to be approachable, no matter what and how hard the subject of conversation is to hear. It is critical to show support. Playing this role is so much more than financial contribution. Be active in school, get involved in extracurricular activities, show encouragement, lay a foundation for them to dream, and most importantly get yourself in a stable position so you could better support someone else. It is definitely more than just being there — what will they remember about you when you are gone? Sanjay DeSilva: It’s all about just being there in these times. It’s easy to say that things are the way they are because there is a lack of father figures; I would rather not take the chance, so I’m doing my best to be there.
‘I hope they think of me when they’re troubled, or forced to make a difficult decision. I hope the memory gives them strength.’ bruce jackson quality time: Bruce Jackson with his children Chris, Hunter, Townie and Piper.
Entrepreneur
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do your best: Sanjay DeSilva with three-year-old Cruz.
‘(Father’s Day wish) ...For Father’s Day to get the glitz and glamour of Mother’s Day, so mothers get pampered but Dad gets the kids.’ sanjay desilva Junior operations assistant, Atlantic Vision Care
Jamel Thomas: To be an effective dad in today’s world a man would have to be present in his children’s lives. Calling your child can only go so far — a child also needs your physical time. The bond of timing means the world to a child’s progress of understanding and learning of who and what they will become in the future. n What do you want to make sure that your child/ children remember about you? Peter F. Wilson: I would like them to remember that I encouraged them to think for themselves and that they should always do things for a reason, and that life is an adventure, interesting and exciting. The ability to think is very important to the qual-
ity of life as it allows us to savour and to recall; it is our distinguishing feature. Bruce Jackson: I hope they think of me when they’re troubled, or forced to make a difficult decision. I hope the memory gives them strength. Tim Petty: That I was selfless, loving and supportive. n If you could have or make a wish for Father’s Day, what would that wish be? Vance Gilbert: I wish that Vanessa could have met her ‘deceased’ grandfather, my dad Ellison Gilbert, and her nana, Verna Caines (my wife’s mom). Ephraim Divine: To remain in good health and continue to strive down the path to be successful, so that I can be an example to my children and to aspire to a position to offer them the best start in life. Bruce Jackson: My wish is that we all take the time to encourage someone, listen to them, and build their inner strength as my father did for me. Tim Petty: I would wish that more kids would stay involved in sports past the age of 15 in Bermuda. Terry Hassell: I wish my mother could have had the opportunity to share in the lives of my children. When she died, my son, who is the oldest, was six-years-old, my middle daughter was seven months, and my youngest daughter was not even born. My mother always used to say, “I hope your children turn out to be just like you”. She would say that I would want her to see that they are very much like me. She said that because I was a handful, but I say it because they are the greatest children a father could ask for. Peter F. Wilson: That each of the children finds See fatherhood, page 25
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‘My Dad is the greatest dad in the entire solar system’ Students from Mount Saint Agnes Academy send messages of love for Father’s Day What makes your dad so special and unique? In this special feature for Father’s Day, Grade 2 students from Mount Saint Agnes Academy tell the Bermuda Sun why their dad is the very best. The second part of this feature can be seen in Friday’s edition of the Bermuda Sun.
Analia Machado Dad — Frank Machado Grade 2 MSA My dad is the best dad in the whole world. His name is Frank Machado. My machado dad and I watch movies together. One of our favourite movies is The Polar Express. He helps me to do my homework when I am stuck on something. He always tells me jokes and we giggle together. He is a big fan of Jeff Gordon. He really hopes that Jeff wins a lot of races. My dad thinks I shout a lot but I do not think that’s true. Sometimes he is the one who shouts, like when he is excited about a race. My dad loves to eat Indian food and pizza. He plays a lot of fun games with me like Sorry. Sometimes my dad does the dishes but I am going to say, “Dad, take a little break from doing the dishes. Mom and I will help you only for today.”
fatherhood Continued from page 24 what is right for them and to live their own lives. My personal wish would be lunch in the South of France at the Colombe d’Or. Sanjay DeSilva: For Father’s Day to get the glitz and glamour of Mother’s Day, so mothers get
I want to say Happy Father’s Day to the best dad in the whole world! Xoxoxoxo Bryce Arruda Dad — Paulo Arruda Grade 2 MSA I love you so much! My dad’s name is Paulo Arruda. He sells coffee arruda and makes ink at work. He helps me a lot. He gets my clothes for school and makes my bed when I am finished sleeping. He also helps me with my homework when I am stuck. We play games together. I like to play basketball with my dad. We also play games like Super Mario Brothers. Sometimes he wins and sometimes I win. My dad and I sometimes get ice cream. We get chocolate or vanilla. We both like playing soccer or watching soccer on the TV. I hope my dad has a good Father’s Day. I love you
pampered but Dad gets the kids. Dwayne Caines: That is an easy one: My wish or gift on Father’s Day would be that my daughters grow and develop into independent, respectful, loving, kind and productive ladies who are a true representation of God’s character. Pete Saunders: If I could have one Father’s Day wish, or gift, it would be to
so much Daddy. Hope you have a good day Daddy! You are the best dad I can ask for. You are the best dad in the world. I hope you have the best Father’s Day you could ever have! Cadence Grayston Dad — David Grayston Grade 2 MSA Move over Mom, it’s Dad’s Day. Happy Father’s Day, Dad. My dad’s name is grayston David Grayston. Some things we enjoy doing together are watching TV and playing soccer. My dad helps me clean up, he cuts the grass and does lunch. He likes to eat cheese burgers, salad and chicken. He does funny and silly things that I like. He makes funny faces and sometimes he makes me laugh when he does that. He plays fun games with me. Dad makes me laugh when we play together. My dad works on boats, cleaning and fixing them. He is a talented mechanic. Dad does many things around the house too. He fixes things around our property, he paints the house and he cleans the dishes with me. I love my dad very much. To me he is the best dad
visit the largest baobab tree in the world with my family, which is in Limpopo Province, South Africa. This is my son’s big dream for 2013. My wish is to be able to come up with the money ($6,000) to make his dream come true. After reading The Little Prince (Antoine de SaintExupéry) and Hug Time (Patrick McDonnell), my
in the world and I want to wish him a Happy Father’s Day! Cailey DeSilva Uncle — Aaron Garrett Grade 2 MSA I love my uncle Aaron so much. His name is Aaron Garrett and I think he is cool. desilva He sometimes helps me with my homework. He is really good at maths stuff. We sit together on the couch all the time and watch TV together. I love to play with him every day. We play hide and seek all the time. Uncle Aaron is very funny and silly sometimes. He always jokes around and makes funny faces. He loves to go fishing and sometimes I go with him. We have so much fun. Happy Father’s Day Uncle Aaron. You are the best uncle in the whole world. I’m glad Granny had you. Hope you have a great Father’s Day!
driving trucks. He drives a huge tractor trailer. His name is Mr Anthony rego Rego. My dad works really hard. He delivers containers all around Bermuda. He works at Easy Hauling. His favourite foods are salads and chicken legs. He really likes chicken from Mr Chicken. He washes clothes for me and gets dinner ready for me. I love when he makes tacos. He makes me laugh. He does lots of silly things. I think it’s funny when my dad is driving the tractor-trailer and beeps at people when they are walking in front of him and it scares them. We do silly things together and we do funny things together. He watches TV at home and acts like he is a couch potato. We hang out on the couch and watch WWE. I hope my dad has a perfect Father’s Day!
Cody Rego Dad — Anthony Rego Grade 2 MSA I think my father is the best dad on earth. I wouldn’t want any other dad. His favourite thing is
Drake Kucharik Dad — Dwight Kucharik Grade 2 MSA I think my Dad is the greatest dad in the entire solar system! His name is Dwight Kucharik. I think that name is cool. He works at Switchworx in a beautiful building.
son Dakari fell in love with the baobab tree. He decided he wants to see one for real. We decided to find a way to grant him this wish
before the end of the year. So, my wish for this Father’s Day is to make my son’s wish come true. Jamel Thomas: Just to wake up and see my ‘kings’
Sometimes he works on a computer and sometimes he works in other kucharik buildings and helps customers. We love to play with our remote control monster trucks together. We also play in the water. He does lots of silly things, like throwing me off the rocks into the water. I get him back though. He makes delicious food for my family and I. He loves to eat ice cream and cookies. He helps me with my homework. Sometimes he gives me challenge questions. He also teaches me how to play video games. We play racing games and sometimes I win and sometimes he wins. My dad is the best! I love spending time with him. Love you Dad! Xoxoxoxo Dylan Rance Dad-Nicholas Rance Grade 2 MSA My dad is awesome! His name is Nicholas Rance. He works at PW’s Marine. rance He fixes See my dad, page 26 smiling and to hear them say, “I love you Daddy”, that’s all I wish for Father’s Day. n
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my dad Continued from page 25 the boats. My dad’s favourite food is bacon and fried eggs. We play Xbox 360 together and go in the boat. He is funny. He sometimes tells jokes. His favourite thing to do is spend time with me. I love my dad a lot. He loves me back. My dad drives me to school. He drives me everywhere. My dad is the nicest man I know. I love my dad more than basketball. He is a great dad. He helps me get big and strong. He plays soccer with me. I help him cut the grass. I help give my dog Bear food. My dad goes to the store to get food. I’m a lucky boy because I have a great dad. My dad does a lot of good things for me. My dad is the best dad in the whole world! Elia Rocha Dad — Mark Rocha Grade 2 MSA
I hope my dad has an awesome Father’s Day! His name is Mark rocha Rocha. He is working on making the new hospital and has also been helping his mother fix up her house. My dad helps me with my homework. One of the things that we enjoy doing together is being lazy. When we are lazy we just relax and watch TV. I love going swimming with my dad in my pool. We have fun! My dad works hard around our house by painting the roof and cuts the grass. My dad loves pizza so much, and he likes chicken and hotdogs too, with plenty of ketchup. His words are funny. He calls me silly names and I laugh. He is so silly! When he sleeps he pretends to snore, that is funny. When I go to sleep he
always tucks me in bed. I love him. He’s the best dad in the whole entire world. Have a good Father’s Day! xoxoxo Ian DaSilva Dad – Richard DaSilva Grade 2 MSA I love my dad so much. I think he is the best dad in the galaxy! Move over Mom, it’s dasilva Dad’s day. My dad is the most hilarious person I’ve ever known. He makes me laugh. I find it funny when he makes duck noises. His name is Ricardo DaSilva. He works at Eurotile. He is a warehouse manager and sells carpets, European tiles and kitchen cabinets there. His favourite foods are salads, sandwiches, cheese burgers and octopus soup. My dad and I like to build, read and play video games.
We love to play Little Big Planet Karting. He helps me with my homework, and builds Lego. We build airplanes and helicopters. Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love you! Jake Roberts Dad — Steven Roberts Grade 2 MSA Move over Mom, it’s Dad’s day! I like to play soccer with my dad and I like to roberts wrestle with him. My dad’s name is Stephen Roberts. He works at Keen and he has lots of lifts that help people reach high places. He helps me with tricky homework. He is really good at math and so am I. He helps me to be better at riding my bike. My dad does a lot around the house like painting and he fixes things. He tells lots of jokes. I
THE BERMUDA SUN think he is so funny. He likes to eat codfish for breakfast and hot dogs for lunch or dinner. He likes Manchester United and so do I. We like when they win. I love him with all my soul. I hope you have a great Father’s Day, Dad! Johanna Luyun Uncle — Jud Balmes Grade 2 MSA My uncle Jud is the best uncle in the world! He works at Deloitte. He does difficult luyun math stuff. He is an important boss there. He does his homework from his office. He likes to eat healthy vegetables, salad and soup. He makes jokes, funny faces and makes me laugh. We play golf and tennis together. He teaches me how to do lots of sports. He has a wife. He married my aunt. They gave me
a pretty doll once. We go to the beach together. He has a silver car. We watch movies together. My uncle is the nicest person I know! Joshua Furtado Dad — Paul Furtado Grade 2 MSA My dad’s name is Paul Furtado. He is the owner of PGF Contracting Ltd. My dad furtado and I love eating pizza together. He helps me plant flowers. We plant sunflowers, easter lilies and amaryllis. I like planting flowers. My dad takes my brother and I to the park to play. We have fun. My dad makes me laugh a lot. We spend a lot of time on our farm together. I like taking care of the animals. My dad’s favourite thing to do is play with us. My dad is the best dad in the world. Happy Father’s Day, Dad! n
Father’s Day: a special advertising section
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June 12, 2013
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More than words — how each father’s legacy lives on What does being a father actually mean? Amanda Dale has compiled some classic quotes from famous, and not so famous, people through the ages. Modern-day fatherhood may have many challenges but since the beginning of mankind, it has never been easy. Throughout the ages, children have looked to their fathers for love, guidance, loyalty, comfort and protection. And for many men, being a father is the most important and valuable experience of their lives. Fatherhood is something that death and time cannot diminish. The legacy of each individual lives on through his children, his grandchildren, and the future generations. n Compiled by Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
enhancer. He touched a lot of lives in lots of different ways and was a brilliant husband and father. “You could never be down for long when he was around. We will miss him terribly but have a bank of memories that can never be exhausted.” n
Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States: “We need fathers to realize that responsibility does not end at conception. We need them to realize that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a Craig child — it’s Cannonier, the courage to Premier of raise one.” n “Everything Bermuda: else is unful“I grew up filled it we fail without my at family.” n father who “I still wish was in my life I had a father but not in my who was not life. He was only present crippled by but involved. the disease of And so my schizophrewhole life, I’ve nia. tried to be for barack obama “It was Michelle and during these my girls what my father hard times I learned the wasn’t for my mother and lessons of faith and strong me. I want to break that family ties and the belief cycle. I want to be a better that all men are created father, a better husband equal in the eyes of God. It and a better does not matter where you man.” n start in life it matters how you finish.” n David Cameron, UK Prime Will Smith, US actor, Minister, on the death of producer, rapper: “There’s his father Ian, in September so much negative imagery 2010: “Our Dad was an of black fatherhood. I’ve amazing man — a real life
got tons of friends that are doing the right thing by their kids, and doing the right thing as a father — and how come that’s not as newsworthy?” n Sigmund Freud, Austrian psychoanalyst: “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright: “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” (The Merchant of Venice) Reverend Theodore Hesburgh, US priest and president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame: “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” n
plish until you try’.” n Marilyn Monroe, US actress, model and singer: “When I was a youngster I lived with different families. I nearly always felt closer to the man of the house. Maybe because I always dreamed of having a father of my own.” n Bo Jackson, US baseball and football player: “I would say my greatest achievement in life right now, my greatest achievement period is — and I’m still trying to achieve it — is to be a wonderful father to my kids.” n
Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female Prime Minister: “I just owe almost everything to my father and it’s passionately interesting for Pope John me that the XXIII: “It is things that I easier for a learned in a father to have small town, children than in a very for children modest home, to have a real are just the father.” n things that I william shakespeare believe have Robert Frost, won the elecUS poet: “You don’t have to tion.” n deserve your mother’s love. You have to deserve your Johnny Cash, US singerfather’s.” n songwriter, actor and author: “My father was Michael Jordan, US a man of love. He always professional basketball loved me to death. He player and entrepreneur: worked hard in the fields, “My father used to say but my father never hit me. that it’s never too late to Never. I don’t ever rememdo anything you wanted to ber a really cross, unkind do. And he said, ‘You never word from my father.” n know what you can accom-
George Herbert, UK poet and orator: “One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” n Michael Bergin, US model and actor: “A father’s disappointment can be a very powerful tool.” n Hugh Jackman, Australian actor and producer: “Becoming a father, I think it inevitably changes your perspective of life. I don’t get nearly enough sleep. And the simplest things in life are completely satisfying. I find you don’t have to do as much, like you don’t go on as many outings.” n Halle Berry, US actress: “I know that I will never find my father in any other man who comes into my life, because it is a void in my life that can only be filled by him.” n
songwriter, actor, record producer: “I don’t even know how to speak up for myself, because I don’t really have a father who would give me the confidence or advice.” n Chief Joseph, Native American tribal leader: “I pressed my father’s hand and told him I would protect his grave with my life. My father smiled and passed away to the spirit land.” n Jean Paul, German Romantic writer: “The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering galleries, they are clearly heard at the end, and by posterity.” n Cindy Crawford, US supermodel: “Watching your husband become a father is really sexy and wonderful.” n
James A. Baldwin, US novelist, playwright, poet: “If the relationship halle berry of father to son could really be reduced to biology, the whole Earth would blaze with the glory of fathers and sons.” n
Frank A. Clark, US journalist: “A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.” n
Anne Sexton, US poet and writer: “It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.” n
Bill Cosby, US comedian, actor, author, TV producer and musician: “Nothing I’ve ever done has given me more joys and rewards
Eminem, US rapper,
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Father’s Day: a special advertising section
June 12, 2013
quotes Continued from page 27 than being a father to my children.” n “If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a 50 per cent chance of being right.” n “Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.” n Dawn French, UK comedian, actress, author: “It was my father who taught me to value myself. He told me that I was uncommonly beautiful and that I was the most precious thing in his life.” n Wade Boggs: US professional baseball player: “Anyone can bill cosby be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that’s why I call you dad, because you are so special to me. You taught me the game and you taught me how to play it right.” n Kid Rock, US musician and actor: “Being a father helps me be more responsible… you see more things than you’ve ever seen.” n Michael Bloomberg, US entrepreneur, philanthropist, billionaire and mayor of New York City: “My father worked all the time.” n
Zinedine Zidane, French professional footballer: “I’m very inspired by him — it was my father who taught us that an immigrant must work twice as hard as anybody else, that he must never give up.” n Nicolas Cage, US actor, producer and director: “Having been a father for 19 years I realize fatherhood has changed me.” n Euripides, Greek tragedian: “Noble fathers have noble children.” n Author unknown: “The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad!” n Candace Bushnell, US author and columnist: “I think a young woman’s relationship with her father is really important.” n Gwyneth Paltrow, US actress, singer and food writer: “My father, he was like the rock, the guy you went to with every problem.” n Lindsay Lohan, US actress: “I think my biggest focus for myself is learning how to continue to get through the trauma that my father has caused in my life.” n Eike Batista, Brazilian entrepreneur and billionare: “What I learned from my father is to think big.” n Donny Osmond, US
singer, musician and actor: “Our father taught us such a work ethic that if there’s something worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” n
Mark Wahlberg, US actor, producer, model and rapper: “If I succeed in business but fail as a father, then I’ve failed.” n
Anthony Kiedis, US singer-songwriter: “I know whatever my father did, in his own way, he still loved me.” n
Jenna Bush, daughter of 43rd US President, George W. Bush: “People ask me if I ever see my father and I say yes, because he puts in the effort. He calls all the time to tell us he’s proud of us.” n
LL Cool J, US rapper and entrepreneur: “There’s a lot of single black women who did the best that they could and that’s a beautiful thing, but they don’t know how necessary a father is in a kid’s life and how much guys miss that deep down inside.” n
Brad Pitt, US actor and film producer: “My father came from a very poor background, but I was very fortunate in the sense that we were never in need. My dad was determined to make sure that we didn’t want for things. He wanted to give us more opportunity than he had, a better shot at a better life.” n
Mike Myers, Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, singer and film producer: “My father was always a straight-up funny guy. He was silly. He gwyneth paltrow Sarah was my inspiMichelle Gellar, ration.” n US actress and producer: “Just because you donate Gordon Ramsey, UK chef, sperm does not make you a TV personality and restaufather. I don’t have a father. rateur: “When you find a I would never give him the guy who is powerful, a big credit or acknowledge him father figure, you latch as my father.” n onto him immediately.” n Christian Bale, UK actor: “I met my grandfather just before he died, and it was the first time that I had seen Dad with a relative of his. It was interesting to see my own father as a son and the body language and alteration in attitude that comes with that, and it sort of changed our relationship for the better.” n
Roger Moore, UK actor: “My father believed in toughness, honesty, politeness and being on time. All very important lessons.” n Magic Johnson, US professional basketball player: “My father is my idol, so I always did everything like him. He used to work two jobs and still come home happy every night.” n Hulk Hogan, US professional wrestler, actor, entrepreneur and TV personality: “Be a father first. Don’t put a priority
THE BERMUDA SUN of being a friend with your wife first, or a friend with your kids first.” n Gordon Brown, former UK prime minister: “I’m a father; that’s what matters most. Nothing matters more.” n Jane Seymour, UK actress, artist and jewellery designer: “My father always told me, you can only be your own best. In other words, if you feel you’ve done your best, you’ve done well enough.” n Mohamed ElBaradei, Egyptian scholar, diplomat and former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency: “My father taught me that you have to stand my your principles.” n Lord Mount- brad pitt batten, British statesman and naval officer: “It never entered my father’s mind nor my mind ever to do a job other than at one’s best ability.” n William Wordsworth, English Romantic poet: “Father! — to God himself we cannot give a holier name.” n Errol Flynn, Australian/ American actor: “My father was never anti-anything in our house.” n Red Auerbach, US basketball coach: “To a father, when a child dies, the future dies; to a child when a parent dies, the past dies.” n Tom Cruise, US actor and producer: “I’m always around my mother and sisters. I always wanted to
be a father, a husband.” n Unknown author: “A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” n Harvey Kietel, US actor and producer: “You’re working on being a father, so that is something that when you experience it you’ll understand the profundity of wanting to protect something dear to you.” n Flavor Flav, US musician and TV personality: “I try and spend a lot of time with my kids. I try and have fun with my kids. I try to put father time in there.” n James McGreevey, American Democrat and former Governor of New Jersey: “I have two extraordinary daughters, who, I can say proudly, are doing very well in school and in piano. Daughters are a father’s joy.” n Baz Luhrmann, Australian film director, screenwriter and producer: “My father made sure that I had lots of levels of education — from ballroom dancing to painting, commando training, theatre and magic.” n Big Boi, US rapper, songwriter, record producer and actor: “I’m glad that’s one of the things I chose to do as a man — to be a father to my child.” n Sam Raimi, US film director, producer, actor and writer: “My father told me to dress to reflect the respect you have for the people around you. I’ve never forgotten that.” n Sean Lennon, British/American musician, composer and son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono: “The most important thing in my father’s life? World peace. Me and my brother. My mom.” n Buddha: “To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to have a simple livelihood; this is greatest blessing.” n Liza Minelli, US actress and singer: “My mother gave me my drive but my father gave me my dreams.” n