Daddy's love - Kemorr Lewis gives his children the love he didn't get from his father

Windsor Forest, Manchester:

A few years ago, he made a promise to himself that if or when he ever become a father, he would be the best father he could be to his children, as he knows what it feels like to yearn for the love and tender care of a father and to be denied of that affection.

Proudly fathering two - a 16-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son - Kemorr Lewis told Family and Religion that he hopes to get five children, but will settle with the number he's blessed with for now.

"I want five children and if it wasn't for the economic times and how things are financially, I would have got them already. But for now, I am trying to care for the two I have the best way I know how to."

Getting his first child as a teen while in high school, Lewis admitted that he learnt to accept the responsibilities of his actions very quickly.

"I was 17 years old. I was grateful for my family support. I mean they were not excited at first that this happened, but they did everything they could to help me through this time and it was the same for my daughter's mother."

Gradually, he became less nervous but had no idea of the pressure that was about to come with this new role.

"I really never understood the fullness of the responsibility until later on. I remember once I needed to buy my daughter a pair of shoes and I realised I had no money. By this time, I had left school and I had to start hunting for jobs, but I couldn't get any."

He continued, "After a while, me say all right, me a go try di farming ting. It cudn't so hard. But I nearly dead! I couldn't manage. And me say dis a nuh my line, and left after getting the money I needed."

Lewis later decided to go back to school to get qualifications for better jobs.

"I enrolled in HEART Training Institute and did up to Level III in electrical installation, but I have only ever worked once in that field. I recognise that a true man has to live up to his responsibilities, so I have always found something to do. Plus I grew up with values and morals that still stick with me up to this day."

It is as a result of these values and morals that Lewis kills even the very thought of being classified a worthless father.

"I never grew up with a father; as a matter of fact the first time I met my father was at the age of 13. We never had a good relationship and we still don't have one, but I made a vow that I would never allow another man to raise or provide for my children as long as I have breath and I am able. I don't want them growing up with me inna dem heart ... I will never deprive them of anything the need and deserve ."

 

His motivation

 

Expressing that while his current line of work is really not his ideal, he stated that his children are his motivation.

"Nuff time me feel like give up, but their well being is important to me and that's what keeps me going; they are my number one priority."

Lewis mentioned that his daughter's academic achievement is another reason why he ensures he is in a position to provide for her.

"I am proud of her grades, man. If I could give her the world, I would. When I go by her school to collect her reports she make me feel really good; her teachers never have anything bad to say about her and since enrolling at her school, she has either placed first or second in her class."

He continued, "I always encouraged her to remain focused. Sometimes when we go for drive out we have our usual talks. I tell her to be mindful of the boys who will come but mean her no good and the importance of having an education."

Lewis said his ultimate hope is to have his children finish school, possibly having the older helping the younger and never forgetting their mothers' worth.

familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com