Today, Father’s Day is celebrated here in the United States.
For many years, I have not celebrated Father’s Day since the death of my father in 1985. Yesterday, I visited his gravesite for the first time since the day of his funeral all those many years ago. Like the Legend of the Phoenix, It is the beginning of the end, the start of my healing journey, and the end to brokeness.
I was totally heartbroken when my mother said “Daddy’s gone.” I don’t remember my response to the news but I know my world was turned upside down. My life drastically changed on that March day.
My friend held me accountable for my healing
My friend came with me to the cemetery yesterday. I cried, talked with him, and broke up one of the cigars I had with me as a gift. He smoked cigars and I love the smell of them. Visiting the gravesite lifted a weight in my heart.
I will visit my father more often to talk with him, cry about his absence (I have not cried), and laugh about how his baby girl is all grown up now. I’m going to plant something atop the grave. I miss him so and it’s time to heal. It all ends with beginnings.
Pray for the women who lost their daddy as a little girl. We have daddy issues too although we had a loving relationship.
Published by Viva White, PhD, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, MAC, ACS, SAP
I am a native Patersonian. In 2001, I received my BSW degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a double minor in Public Policy and African American Studies. Afterward, I entered the MSW program with Advanced Standing at Yeshiva University. In 2004, I received my Master's degree in Social Work, and in 2022, I earned my Ph.D. in Social Welfare from Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. The research study topic was "The Phenomenological Exploration of Academic Re-engagement for High School Completion." The qualitative method was employed to examine students who leave high school before graduation and choose service-learning as a means of high school completion.
Professionally, I hold credentials as a School Social Worker, Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI) supervisor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
My practice experience has been in the areas of substance abuse with/without medication assistance, mental health, and education/special education. Currently, I am a Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor, Community Advocate, Activist, and Organizer, Founder/Executive Director of Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc., a non-profit organization in the City of Newark, Chief Executive Officer of Making Connections Professional Services LLC, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc 💙🤍🕊️
My professional goal is to formulate and implement policies to address the systemic issues related to racism, poverty, education, violence, and health care. Also, advocate and articulate the negative effect of those issues to decision-makers for providing a better understanding of the impact/outcome of those decisions upon individuals, families, and communities.
#advocate #activist #organizer who talks about #love #wellness #antiviolence #wellbeing #socialwork #mentalhealth #education #health #antiracism #poverty
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