June has interesting celebrations: National Candy Month, Potty Training Awareness Month and National Safety Month, according to the World Almanac.
June is also Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. Pentecost Sunday is on June 8, Flag Day is on June 14 and the first day of summer begins on June 21. Ramadan will most likely begin on June 28.
Father’s Day is always the third Sunday of June.
Asked on the Line conducted brief informal interviews with men on the mainline, asking; “Are you a father? How many children do you have? Did you grow up with a dad or father figure? If not, who were your male role models? Send a message to your dad or father figure.”
JulianGlenn Padgett said he has no children, adding his biological father did not raise him. However, there were two men in his life who he looked up to: Jim Lee and John Speth.
“Jim Lee was a single father,” said Padgett. “He always made time for his sons Jim, Jeff and James. He treated me like family. He even taught me how to water-ski. Thank you, Jim.”
“John Speth of Fair Oaks, California, was a good family man,” said Padgett. “He took care of his family. He was someone I would want to emulate when it came to taking care of family. He really made an impression on me. He was a good provider, listener and husband. He was a good partner to his wife. He was there for his children. Thank you John for showing me what my father never did.”
Jesus Flores has two daughters. “The oldest is shy and quiet. The youngest is bold and loud. They are both complete opposites. They’ve graduated from high school and are married now. I am very proud of them,” said Flores.
“I grew up with a dad,” said Flores. “He was in the Army. So, he was very strict but, he always wanted what was best for all of his kids. He was a hard worker. I love you dad. Thank you for being there for all of us.”
Aaron Brock has one child. His most memorable moment was when his child was seven years old. It was during a visit in Lancaster. If he could send his child a message it would be: “I am sorry,” he said.
Brock’s father is deceased. But, what he admired most about his dad was “being there,” he said.
Brian Asey has a son and a daughter.
His most memorable moments with his children are when they were very young, when his son was 6 and his daughter was 5. “We used to play together. Each one would hang on to one of my legs as I walked. It was funny.”
Asey’s father passed away. But, he still remembers when he was a boy, “my dad would take me to work with him,” he said. Asey also had a stepfather. “I remember that my stepdad instilled in us to not tell on each other. No snitching. If I told on my brother, he would punish my brother, but then he would punish me for telling on my brother,” said Asey.
Adriel Ortiz Ramirez has no children. However, he said he grew up with his father. “I remember going on a lot of family trips with him,” said Ramirez. “Thanks dad for all of the advice that you gave me over the years.”
Aaron “The Jeddii” Taylor has no biological children. “I have two nieces, two nephews and a godson. Those are my kids. To all my children: Knowledge and wisdom are in storehouses. The key to open a storehouse is a question. Never fear asking a question,” said Taylor.
Taylor did not grow up with his biological father. “My grandfather, L.B. Turner, was my No. 1 one role model. He was not my biological grandfather, but he was everything I could possibly want in a father figure.” Steve Wade Sr., Myles Delaney – Taylor’s uncles – William Fant Jr. and George Jernigan played significant roles as father figures, as well.
Timothy Thompson has no children. He said his football coach served as a father figure. “What I admired most about him was that he never got upset when I made a mistake. He was always patient with the kids. You were a good man, coach. You had a positive impact on my life,” said Thompson.
Valeray Richardson has a daughter and a stepdaughter. Richardson is proud of his daughter Raenisha “because of her lifestyle. She studied nursing, finished school and got married. She is very respectful and did not get into trouble. She reminds me a lot of me because we are both Gemini. She’s a little me,” said Richardson. “My daughter Monique is into sports. She got a scholarship to attend Smith University. I am proud of her. Her catch phrase is, ‘calm yourself.’ I love her very much.”
Richardson’s father passed away, but his memories of him are very much alive. “I admired his humor and the way he showed loved for all of us. Dad, you’re my hero,” he said.
Joey Mason has no children. He said he did not grow up with a father or father figure. “I had two stepdads. One was an alcoholic and the other was a redneck,” he said.
Mason said believes he would be a good father, if he decides to have children. “I would be the opposite of everything my stepdads were to me, no drugs and no violence. I would be involved in my kids’ life. They would know that I got their back. I will always help them. I will do as much as possible to expose him to positive things and show them support, kindness and love,” said Mason.
Richard Morris has a son. He said he’s proud of his son because “he finished his education and is a physical therapist. He also has a good work ethic.”
Morris grew up with a father. “He was married to my mother for over 40 years. He was a very hard worker. Dad, I am sorry for the mistakes that I made. I wish I could have been a better son.”
Manuel Sanchez Murillo has two children, a son and a daughter. Even though he has been imprisoned for almost 28 years, he said his kids are not resentful of him not raising them. “They had the support of their grandparents, their mother and a stepfather. I am very proud of them. They finished school and I don’t think they are ashamed of me.”
Murillo did grow up with his father. “What I admired most about my dad was his honesty,” said Murillo. “He did what he could to take care of us. He passed away, but he is still my role model. I admire him very much to this day.”
Ed Ballenger has two sons. “I have not seen them in over 20 years,” said Ballenger. “But through my niece, I know that they are OK and both are working.”
Ballenger’s father raised him. “He was there for me. For one thing, he provided well for his family. He was a balanced individual. He gave good advice. I love you dad.” Ballenger’s father passed away at age 90.
