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Kamal Powell – The Supportive Rock Dad

kamal powell Kamal Powell - The Supportive Rock Dad

The gift of fatherhood often comes on a scheduled due date; but, for others, it happens unexpectedly.
This was the familiar experience for J. Wray & Nephew Limited’s Regional Marketing Manager (Caribbean), Kamal Powell. His little bundle of joy made his grand entrance approximately three hours after a scenic walk in Hope Gardens. “It was unexpected because he wasn’t due until another two weeks! But when I saw his little hands and feet, I knew my life would change forever,” he recalled.

Kamal Powell and son

It was a change indeed! Nine years later Powell is still overjoyed with his “unexpected” gift and is grateful that he is a part of his life. As far as responsibilities go, his greatest duty is providing unwavering love and support to his son. “ I have to be there for my son as a father. All children need their parents around to protect them and teach them how to be their best selves. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child and I am a firm believer in it. I won’t lie, I’m always there for my son but I cannot credit myself alone. His mom and grandmothers also play a vital role in his upbringing and this will make him a strong role model.”

As blissful as fatherhood is, it comes with its fair share of challenges, which many dads are afraid of. Yet, for this super-star dad, interestingly, this is not the case. Kamal shares that he was being groomed for fatherhood by older siblings who already had children. “ I didn’t really experience any great difficulties adjusting to fatherhood. I have a lot of older brothers and sisters who had children before. So, when Marcus was born I already had a cheat sheet for dealing with kids from the experience of caring for my nieces and nephews.”

Fathers play an important role in their children’s lives, especially when they have boys. For many, it is the lessons learned from their own dads while growing up that they too share with their children. Shared experiences are the most common ways to carry on the mantle of fatherhood and this was no different for Powell.

He instilled in me the mindset that anything is possible. Our discussions always involved how we could either change the world or do something differently. My dad inspired me, and if he was still alive today I would’ve gifted him a bottle of Appleton Estate 21-year-old rum.”

“When I was growing up my father and I had a great relationship. We would read many books together, then we would have thought-provoking discussions about them, and all the books we read aligned with our interests. We traveled a lot, watched the news together, fiercely played School’s Challenge Quiz and he would simplify topics that I did not understand. My father taught me about responsibility, forgiveness, patience, and compassion.

My final message to fathers is to spend time with your children and protect them. But most importantly teach them how to love themselves

Kamal Powell

To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #10 in a store near you.

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