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Father's Day

Listen to this Commentary!

By Kahlil Lewis

I grew up without having a typical family. You know, a mother, a father, and a bunch of brothers and sisters. Instead, I only had my mother and sister in my life. Five phone calls since I was 12 years old — that's all I knew of my father.

I sort of got used to having one parent. Until one day when I was in sixth grade, my mom told me to come to the phone: "It's your dad," she said.

The phone call was kind of awkward. But it was also good to find out where I get certain characteristics. We both liked science, dancing, and practicing karate. And I'm musically talented. I write songs, and my father does too. So does the brother I haven't met. I guess having these things in common makes me feel connected to my father.

After that first conversation, my father has called a few more times out of the blue. Each time, he always promised to come see me or buy me a gift. And each time, he never came, and I've never received a present. He became a memory that never was.

Then about a month ago, he said he was coming to California and wanted to see me. I just had to go see him to find out what he looked like. As soon as I saw him, I lost all hatred I've ever had for him. He lectured me about not getting into trouble, telling me I'm my own responsibility.

Hopefully next time we meet, we can actually hang out and do some father-son type things. Not that we're going to go play catch or anything — I'm kind of old for that. Maybe we can go gambling in Las Vegas, where he lives. Father-son activities, grown up style. He said I should go visit him this summer, and meet my sister. I think I will.

With a perspective, I'm Kahlil Lewis.

BACK ANNOUNCE: 21-year-old Kahlil Lewis comes to us from Youth Radio.