Most of you who know me know my father and grandfather were my heroes growing up. I often talk about the incredible impact they had on my life. But the impact they had on me doesn’t do justice to the full picture of my development as a person. I would be remiss if I didn’t also pay proper respect to the wonderful women I’ve had in my life. No story of who I am is complete without mentioning the females who have helped shape me.
Mom
My mother is the strongest person I know. Among other things she raised eight children to adulthood. When I was younger I used to think that feat was no big deal, now I can’t even wrap my mind around it. My mom showed me what devotion to a spouse looks like. She showed me what sacrifice for your family looks like. She showed me what a complete human looks like. And she taught me how to be one.
Mom, dad taught me how to be a man, but not before you taught me how to be a human. Thank you.
Grandma
My paternal grandmother taught me how to tie my shoes. That seems simple but it’s an example of the type of thing I most remember learning from her. The little things. Things like tying my shoes, saying my first word, and a poem about never quitting. Oh, and the fact that original glazed donuts are the best food in the world.
Grandma, you and grandpa set the direction of a family for generations. You are the architect and matriarch of the Prather clan. Your children’s children’s children will hear stories of you.
Grandma
My maternal grandmother taught me about physical toughness. I’ve never met anyone tougher than my grandmother. No one. If you think I work hard in the gym, play hard at sports, and push my body through injuries then you still haven’t seen anything compared to my grandma. A tougher human being with a softer heart has never lived.
Grandma, I know I got my toughness from you, I hope I also got part of your heart.
Sister
My oldest sister taught me about kindness and flexibility. She is the mortar between the bricks of the Prather family that rounds out everyone’s rough edges and helps all of us fit together.
Sis, you were the first female Prather born for a couple of generations and people have been forgetting us boys exist ever since. Rightfully so.
Sister
My middle sister taught me about generosity and self-sacrifice. She is one of the most generous people I know. I live in LA and I don’t know anyone who would drive across town to give me a ride to the airport. My sister would drive to LAX from Memphis to do so if I asked her to.
Sis, you have grandma’s name and grandpa’s heart. You carry them both well.
Sister
My youngest sister taught me about passion. Watching her has taught me about single-minded passionate focus. She has always been passionate about the things she loves, like shoes and the color pink. We’ve been buddies ever since she was born and seeing her passion for the things she loves and desires has often inspired me to be more passionate about mine.
Sis, my buddy. Always.
Daughter
My daughter taught me everything I need to know about joy through adversity. She’s been through more obstacles in her short life than most people could experience in two lifetimes. She has narrowly–and literally–escaped death multiple times and been through things no child should ever have to experience. But she has also become the happiest and the most joyful human I’ve ever met. She has a joy so rare I’ve never seen it before.
Babes, you aren’t my blood but you are my heart. No child will ever be loved more than you are. I promise.
Wife
My wife taught me what love is. I will readily admit I knew nothing about love before her. She is the best person I know. If humans were asked to offer up the best version of humanity we could find, we would be lying if we did not present her.
Sweetie, you are everything.
