Lawrence, was in the
waiting room, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his son. As the time went by,
he reflected on the changes, sacrifices, and struggles he went through to be
prepared for this moment – and the future. Two hours later, a doctor stepped out
of the operating room to call Lawrence to come in. He entered the room,
walked towards his newborn, and holds him tight. Lawrence’s eyes were filled
with tears of joy as he gazed into his precious babyboy’s eyes for the first
time.
Lawrence challenged himself
to be prepared—both financially and emotionally— for the birth of his son.
He sought support from UPNEXT, and became a participant. In the program,
Lawrence showed us that he had a strong, work ethic. Nonetheless, it was
contrasted by his impatient, and rash, approach to job hunting. UPNEXT classes
taught Lawrence the strategies to becoming employable. He received additional
insights from both staff and guest speakers. Thoughtful conversations with
staff, along with a few unsuccessful job interviews, humbled Lawrence. He paced
himself and began to incorporate the methods and advice he learned from the
program. These changes proved fruitful as his efforts led him to secure a
stable, fulltime job.
Lawrence also saw an
improvement in his fathering skills. Growing up in an old school, tough love
environment, he assumed stern parenting is the most effective way to raise
children. Our 24/7 Dad workshops, and the diverse
perspectives of his peers, caused a shift in Lawrence’s attitudes and behavior.
He realized that the tough love parenting he was brought up in, although
well-meaning, was often excessive and unnecessary. He acknowledged the
importance of embracing new parenting ideas so he could guide his children into
living emotionally healthier lives than him.
Lawrence left the program
with fresh perspectives on life and fatherhood. He has used what he learned
from the program to build family relationships, organize his life and reshape
some of the habits that were holding him back. With his newfound employment and
increased family stability, Lawrence is confident that he will be able to
provide his newborn son a loving and happy life.
