Mother's Day is such a special day to all of us.  We all have such a special relationship with the nurturing we get from our mothers.  Those of us blessed to have fathers and good relationships with them know how especially important that is.  I've loved my father so much for years and years.  The kind of father he is gives me perspective in my life and has enabled me to become the kind of man that I am.  My life has been particularly unique due to my circumstances.  I've not married or had any children of my own.  But I have been taught, nurtured, and been given mentorship by the kind of man that has helped me to become a good friend, brother, and uncle, and to enjoy vicarious fatherhood with so many wonderful young people.  I've been blessed to have a great brother and wonderful friends who have shown me fatherhood and friendship on so many levels.  Those of you who have witnessed these kinds of relationships know what I mean.  So much goes into the role of being a father.  It overlaps with many aspects of our other relationships.  It enables us to represent ourselves and express ourselves in ways that mean a lot to many other people that we touch.

Once again, I'm so proud of so many of my friends and brothers who have children graduating from high school and college and becoming strong young men in these trying times.  I love all of you.  Some of my buddies have recently experienced fatherhood and have young boys and girls playing baseball, basketball and football and running track.  I support them in many ways.  I've had opportunity to share some of these experiences and I'm so happy to do that.  I've had mentors like Max, Harry Edwards, and uncles that mean a lot to me and motivate me to be a better person.  I know how important that is to me and to the other young people I know who share these types of relationships.

Once again, my boy Baron made it possible for me to attend a Diana Ross concert.  She's such an outstanding icon and true entertainer.  I've got a birthday coming up July 2.  I plan to get together with some friends for dinner on July 1.  I'll keep you posted.  In times like this, it's so important to me.  Having my friends stay in touch with me keeps me motivated and makes me try hard to contribute and participate.

Our President has taken quite a beating in the press these days.  The oil spill in the Gulf is not his fault.  I think he's doing his best to keep his composure and put people to work on salvaging that mess.  Let us pray that he'll get credit for the good things that he's doing and keep optimistic and positive as he continues to do his best for us all. 

I love all of you, especially my fathers at this time of year.  I pray that you have a good summer and that you spend time with your children and give them your support, making them sure that you love them and allowing yourself the positive, spiritual and soulful generation that comes from their love.

Much love always,

DJ