A father’s LOVE
FATHERHOOD GOES way beyond financial responsibility and it was this realisation that propelled Anthony Bird to become the primary caregiver of the younger of his two children, who were living with their mother.
Bird had learnt that his junior, only eight years old, was displaying behavioural problems, something the mother of his children had brought to his attention.
“I watched for a while, and when she continued to complain, I told her to send him to me because it’s my responsibility to bend the tree from a young stage,” explained 40-year-old Bird, who works as a maintenance technician at Sandals in Montego Bay, St James.
While it is true that fathers should be constant models of love and generosity toward their offspring, it is important that they also teach them right and wrong; daddies are disciplinarians.
GOOD BEHAVIOUR
Now, a year later, Bird proudly admits that the child is manifesting no signs of behavioural disorder.
“I work full-time, so when he gets home from school, he stays with my mom until I come home and she has never made a complaint to me about his behaviour,” said Bird.
Taking his fatherly role to another level, Bird has also adopted the responsibility of two young cousins who lost their father years ago.
“I just want these two kids to have what my children have. I love to put a smile on other people’s faces. Last year, I pulled my savings and bought back-toschool supplies for them and I am going to do it again this year. I also check up on them to ensure that all is well,” Bird explained before adding that he has partnered with two other fathers to put on a back-toschool treat for children in the community of Woodland District, Great River, Hanover.
According to him: “We are not rich, and we don’t have a lot, but every back-to-school season, we pool what we have together, cook some food, buy ice cream, and let the kids come out and have fun. We ensure each child gets a pencil, a book, and so forth. It’s something that we do every year because we want to put a smile on the kids’ faces.”
The generous man explained that his passion for helping others came from observing his own father – a farmer who lived a life of service to the members of his community.
“As a child, I didn’t understand it. When the crops were ready, he would send me into the community to give to this person and that person. He never asked for anything in return. When I got older, I understood it. It’s just good to help people when you can because it will come back around to you and your kids,” explained Bird, who has earned numerous awards at Sandals because of his willingness to help others.
These awards include, but aren’t limited to the Earth Guardian Award, Most Environmentally Aware, and he has been named Team Member of the Month several times.
Although he sees his kindness towards others as an intrinsic trait, Bird told Family and
Religion that he pushes to look out for others in need, especially children, so that his sons can have a good example to follow.