4 Me: Can you describe your life from what you remember from ages 5-10? 6 Awo: I grew up with my mom and dad and a vivid memory I remember was when I was 10 my father passed away. I was raised with my mother and my two siblings. My mom was a single mother working two jobs. Me: How do you think the passing of your father has affected you? I Awo: I would definitely say it affected me, especially on fathers day. I would always cry. My uncles and father look a lot alike so every time I would look at them or talk to them it would remind me of my dad and I sort of hated that. At the same time, I had to cope and accept the reality that he is not around. There are a lot of things I wish I had talked about and discussed with him. Sometimes when I talk to my mom there are moments when we disagree, and maybe if I could've talked to him he would be more understanding or given me a different perspective. Me: What do you think you have missed out on not growing up with your father? For example, there are individuals that grow up without a mother or father figure and they sort of miss out on learning things from them what do you think you have missed out on regarding that area? Awo: Definitely not having that father figure in my life. I'm sure those that have both mom and dad in their life do have a different perspective from each parent and all my life the only perspective, advice, and correction has always been coming from my mom. So I would say having a father figure to tell me his perspective of life and his experiences and teach me his way of parenting. Also, at the same time, I would say my mom raised me pretty well, and honestly, there were a lot of moments when I felt like I wasn't missing my dad. For some time you get used to it and cope with the reality of it and you basically have that one voice that advises you that you don't have the need to have another person parenting you.