Written by: Nicola Cunningham
Photos: Andre Dexter
They say the relationship between a man and his daughter is not only special but one that is critical to her development since his behaviour, words and example will set the tone for what she sees as normal and acceptable treatment from a male, for the rest of her life. Indeed this fundamental kinship will subsequently shape every other connection she pursues and forms; therefore the role and responsibility of that of a father can never be discounted and should never be ‘watered down’. This is the guiding principle of one proud father who takes his duties very seriously. For Matthew Samuels, being a father is a privilege that God bestowed upon him and therefore he is determined to not only be present but ensure that his presence has purpose.
BUZZZ Magazine recently sat down with Samuels, the father of four year old Zion, as he spoke about his journey into fatherhood and the impact of knowing that he has the delicate yet awesome task of moulding the life, personality and future of another human being. “I have one deggeh deggeh child who just turned four. I chose her name after hearing it in a song. I just sensed that she would have given us joy. It is not just spending time but being deliberate in what you do with that time which is important because you are shaping them for their future. I am a Christian so I believe if you lay the foundation from they are young, they won’t depart from it.”
When we caught up with Samuels he was right smack in the middle of daddy duties on a Saturday morning as he was up early because Zion woke him to prepare breakfast, just one of the many tasks that he immerses himself in daily. “Every day I am learning. I realise that you not only have to be responsible but also available. You have to have a presence in the home. You can no longer just get up and go hang out with the boys. You now have to be strategic with your time. At this stage in her development she is very aware of her dad’s presence and the moment I come home, it is all about me and her.” Never one to back down from any duty, he remembers the challenge of potty
A parent he feels can transmit a lot to their child both consciously and unconsciously which is why he emphasised the need to be positive
Matthew Samuels
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #10 in a store near you.