DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
One of the critical decisions I made in life was choosing my best friends. I trust and rely on my FEW best friends 100 percent.
Another critical choice is who we spend our work and free time with. If your friends enjoy alcohol or drugs, you may fall into that trap. On the other hand, if you spend time with business professionals, entrepreneurs, stock investors, or just intelligent people, you will learn. The choice is 100% yours!
BELATED HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – DADS!
I’ve mentioned the importance of dads in my blogs, and to celebrate 2021 Father’s Day, I will tell you about four important Dads in my life who have left an unforgettable influence.
- Leslie Boney – Maternal Grandfather
- William Powers Sr. – Dad
- Nathaniel Boney – Uncle & Second Dad
- William Powers, Jr. – Brother & Best Friend
LESLIE BONEY – GRANDDADDY
As a little boy, I remember riding in the back of Granddaddy’s pickup truck. My cousins and I would hop off, run, catch up and hop back on. Today he would go to jail for that! I was the youngest, slowest, and fattest grandchild in the pickup truck, and Granddaddy would slow down just a wee bit more for me! If my cousins notice, they never said a word.
Granddaddy grew up in a time of racism and Jim Crow laws. Yet, he had the fortitude to build a 300 plus acre farm, vegetable, and fruit produce business. He transported fresh vegetables to large cities with several trucks and drivers. He built and operated a General store, Dry cleaners and owned multiple rental homes. He was an entrepreneur who believed in Multiple Income Streams.
At an early age, I saw a black man with pride who was successful and respected in his community. He sent two of his four children to college (The Power of Education). The other two sons followed in his footsteps and farmed. Granddaddy was my early Role Model.
WILLIAM POWERS, SR. – DAD
My father grew up in extreme poverty. His home had no running water or electricity and they used an outhouse. At the age of ten, he and his brother had to take care of themselves. Something inspired Dad to work his way through college as a janitor before being drafted to serve in World War II. He served his country and returned to college using the GI Bill. All the while, Dad continued to work to send money home to his mother and sisters until the day he died.
Dad graduated from Shaw University with a bachelor’s and master’s, becoming a teacher and eventually earning a High School Principal position. My father modeled the importance of Education and Hard Work. He was a role model to his sons and his community.
One summer, my dad purchased a better home for his Mom and relocated it to his Mom’s property. That summer, Dad, my brother, and I spent rehabbing that house. Dad taught us carpentry, cement work, electrical and plumbing. I have no idea how he gained those competencies, but I am grateful he taught his sons. He then moved his mother and two sisters into a lovely home now with electricity, running water, and a bathroom. Even as a child, I was amazed at his generosity. You see, my home state, North Carolina, pays teachers very little. Dad taught me to love and sacrifice for the people I love. Unfortunately, my dad died when I was 21 years old, and I never asked him the thousands of questions I mistakenly thought I had time to ask.
The most important lesson he taught me – being Amanda’s Dad!
Dad is my Hero, Role Model, Mentor, and Father.
NATHANIEL BONEY – UNCLE, BEST FRIEND & SECOND DAD
Nathaniel Boney quickly became my favorite uncle, and I started calling him simply “Uncle.” He was the one! When my brother, five years my senior, went to college, I admit I cried on the entire ride back from his university. My brother, Bill, was and remains my best friend. Uncle, recognizing my loneness, started spending more one-on-one time with me.
Uncle, also a teacher, had the summers off and would often stop by to see us. When he was ready to go, I would invite myself and hop in the car. Mom would say Styron get out of that car stop bothering your uncle. Uncle always had the same response –”Sister,” his nickname for Mom, he is fine. And off we would go. Uncle was a school science teacher and would often help me with my science and math during the school year. Nathaniel Boney was a fun and loving man and taught me many life lessons. He was the type of person that helped an older relative with whatever they needed. Anything from an extra bag of groceries to his stopping by each morning to help them bathe and dress. Like his dad, Uncle was an entrepreneur and built Multiple Income Streams. He was a schoolteacher, as was his wife; he owned and operated a small farm. He farmed tobacco and other crops and leased out other lands. He created a third income source by adding a rental property, eventually accumulating over 30 rental units. Uncle is the reason I own rental properties. I love, respect, and miss my friend, mentor, and role model.
WILLIAM POWERS, JR. – BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND
I call my brother when I’m happy, sad, need help, or just to say hi. Bill is five years my senior, and I have tried to follow in his BRILLIANT footsteps. When he departed for college, five years later, so did I. We both earned our Bachelor’s in Biology. Bill, however, goes on to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in Toxicology {Study of poisons. For a hefty fee, he can tell you some untraceable -ah materials). I eventually earned four university degrees.
Bill is promoted from a managerial positionr to a Johnson and Johnson Director, and I become a corporate director about five years later. Come on; I have to keep up; he is my mentor and role model! We both achieve Corporate Vice President positions, and yes, I was again five years or more behind. My brother remains and always will be my best friend. I love, respect, and admire my big brother.
Conclusion – DADS WHO RAISE ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE
I had a good career and earned recognition and awards in my field. However, the title I cherish is, Dad.
These four men gave me their shoulders and their love so I could achieve my dreams.
Surround yourself with intelligent, ambitious, and good people. Be the best parent, sibling, or friend you possibly can.
Happy Father’s Day Dads!
LYRICS TO YOU RAISE ME UP – PERFORMED BY JOSH GROBAN
“When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until You come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me to more than I can be
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me to more than I can be.
You raise me up to more than I can be.”
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, real estate and happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation.As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you get there.
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