An Open Letter from WWE Superstar Titus O’Neal on Fatherhood
Father’s Day is right around the corner and I am delighted to share with you an open letter from WWE Superstar Titus O’Neal on fatherhood and what it means to him to be a present father. I had the opportunity to see Titus O’Neal in Baltimore for RAW a few weeks ago and he’s a great wrestler and performer but even more importantly he’s an advocate for spending time with your children. Here’s what he had to say about fatherhood.
Fatherhood is the greatest responsibility and honor a man can have placed upon him. I never met my biological father, nor did I grow up with a male figure in my home. I didn’t grow up with money, a nice home or fancy clothes. In fact, I spent the majority of my childhood living in the projects or with family members. However, thanks to my mom, I had no shortage of love. Because of that I feel very strongly that love, faith, strength and courage are the most important elements of growing and learning at any stage of life. Now, as a father, I strive to demonstrate these in my home because the greatest lesson my kids have taught me is how to love people unconditionally.
Being a father has allowed me to keep things in perspective, for which I am extremely grateful. When a young fan asks for an autograph or picture or when I visit hospitals and schools, I always think, “What if these were my kids? What if my children were sick or didn’t have the resources to obtain a great education, live in a safe neighborhood or live a comfortable life?” I am very grateful when people go the extra mile for my kids, and I make it a point to always return that favor. Life as a WWE Superstar is hectic and stressful at times, but the ability to positively change lives on a daily basis motivates me to work hard. My kids could not care less if I win or lose a match or if I have a bad day at work. I’ve come to find not just my kids but WWE fans love and respect me regardless because beyond the lights, cameras and the action in the ring, they continue to see a real, genuine person. My philosophy with my kids is simple…I expect them to do their best and be the best people they can be and they expect the same of me.
To me, being a father is simple. I live for my kids, not through my kids. I’m not trying to force them into doing the things I did as a child in sports or extracurricular activities because they are who God made them to be. As their father, my job is to provide my children with the best positive guidance, motivation, discipline and resources possible to help them reach their greatness. I do this with plenty of love and try to be a living example instead of a telling example. I’ve learned kids respond more to what they see you do, as opposed what you tell them to do. I am their first role model, and I take that very seriously. They might not take the same path I did, but as long as they respect people, work hard, are positive about life and give their absolute best effort, I always will be proud of them.
To me, the most important part of being a father is being present. Kids really remember the moments and time you spend with them more than the things you buy them. The smallest moments make the biggest impact on a child’s life. I often am asked what I like most about being a father and my answer is always that I love everything about being a father – the challenges, the responsibility, the discipline, the laughter, the school functions…you name it, I love it. Father’s Day is really a special day, but for me, every day is Father’s Day because I get another day to enjoy all of the wonderful characteristics my two sons display. I also get to be part of a very great fraternity….FATHERHOOD! I am honored, humbled and proud to be a father.
-Titus O’Neil-
You can also check out his PSA with the National Ad Council’s Fatherhood Campaign. O’Neal along with Alberto Del Rio and Roman Reigns created PSA that are all worth checking out. To learn more about the campaign visit their website and be sure to check out Titus O’Neal and the other wrestlers on the WWE website or check your local television listings for upcoming shows.
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Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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