Fatherhood by Godson Browne
When I Grow Up: I always imagined having a family of my own, from as far back as I could remember. There were a few great father figures in and around my life, including my own biological father, who did their best to father not only their own, but other children within their space. I figured that being a father was inevitable for a man, and I looked forward to being a father similar to what I saw around me.
I eventually got a taste of father-like responsibility when I became a teacher, and I’m grateful that it happened that way, as I got a much needed trial run before the real thing.
Father in Training: Just over 11 years ago, I became a fulltime music teacher at a local secondary school. While it was a job that connected various passions including music, teaching and helping others, I was investing much of my time, energy and resources into these young impressionable minds. Occasionally I would think – if only I was their real father – as for some students, their teacher(s) were like the parent they never had.
I was able to see first-hand the results of growing up in a broken home. I saw how those early years of absent fathers gave way for many misguided youths to get lost in a demanding world, and for many how the cycle was bound to continue in similar manner. I also noted that while pastors, leaders, counsellors, teachers, principals etc. really played a huge role in managing some of these issues, they all were equally championing the same cause for more/better parent involvement. This is where I started taking the challenge seriously and began planning for my own family. I realized that if every parent takes his/her responsibility seriously, with the help of God, wise counsel, and close friends and family, each child will be better supported and positioned to achieve their fullest potential while creating a better society.
Lessons learned: As a teacher, I often had to overlook my needs in order to attend to my students. I also noted that research skills, planning and foresight were important in managing situations that would inevitably surface. Chatting with elders and experienced persons were priceless in my growth as a teacher. I adapted these principles to family life, as I read various books and spoke with my mentors on their approach to various aspects of family life.
The Real Thing: Now that I’m a father of 3 boys, with the youngest turning 3 last February, I always remember the lessons I learned from my teaching experience, and the reason why fathers are needed in the home. I experienced new challenges including learning to bathe a baby and change diapers, sleepless nights, early mornings, and various ways I had to support my wife around the house during the early stages. I’ve experienced new blessings including being present through labour and delivery for each child, seeing them make their first steps, say their first words, start school, attend sporting activities and the list goes on.
I limited my bookings and activities in order to be with my young family. Some included opportunities to work with great singers and musicians and often brought extra income, but these decisions were relatively easy to make since I had already experienced some of these as a teacher. There were also other challenges I never imagined or prepared for, including getting hospitalized as a young husband/father, which had me feeling like an extra burden on my wife. Thank God for our parents, family and friends who helped in various ways.
The Future: As I continue this journey of fatherhood, my intention is to keep the same energy, remembering why I must stick to the task, and with the invaluable help from my industrious Wife, do our best to provide a safe environment for our boys to grow into their fullest God given potential.
Godson Browne
Godson Browne is a Grenadian musician and music teacher, he currently resides in Grenada with his family. He loves music and is skilled with various instruments, namely, the drum kit, percussion, piano/keyboard and bass. He is the father of three adventurous and handsome boys, he can often be seen performing with his talented wife. This musician is first and foremost, a family man. Check out what he is up to on Facebook and YouTube
