Daddy's Girl

As a child, I loved to watch my father, Jamaican-born master carpenter Hopeton Barnett, work. I used to help my dad fix his car, build shelves, and do repairs to the house we grew up in. My father was a good teacher. I got really skilled at crafting wood. My mother would say, “There she goes again. Chip chip chip after her daddy.” It is no surprise, that I developed a passion for design and became an Interior Architect. My daddy had tremendous influence on his little girl.

I am a very blessed women to be able to thank God and say to the world that my father was not only an important part of my life, but he enriched my childhood experiences, instilled my values and beliefs, and gave me the tools to be the well grounded, forward thinking, strong willed, determined woman of excellence that I am today. I proudly wear the nickname of “Daddy’s Girl”.

My father passed earlier this year. I miss him terribly. Although I mourn the passing of my father, my father would not want me to mourn forever. My daddy lived his life enjoying every single experience living had to offer. He gave my mom, his wife, me and my siblings an incredible life. He used to say, “Live life good.” He was a good teacher. So I celebrate his memory through living my life to the fullest and continuing to honor the gifts that he helped to nurture within me. Miss you daddy.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of you husbands, grandpas, daddys, uncles and mentors!