I'm currently reading The Bond: Three Young Men Learn to Forgive and Reconnect with Their Fathers by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt and my admiration for these three men has grown tremendously. The three doctors are friends who grew up on the mean streets of Newark, New Jersey and made a pact while still in high school to graduate and pursue careers as doctors. Although times were tough and circumstances could've caused them to quit, their friendship and pact made them persevere and they made it. Two are medical doctors and one is a dentist. They tell the story of how the pact was made and their experiences of medical school in their first book titled, The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise to Fulfill a Dream. While working in OKC as a cataloger, I came across this book, read their story and immediately fell in love with their strength and desire to help all children who grow up without a dream. They have also written, We Beat the Streets: How a friendship Pact Led to Success that is geared toward the younger generation. I encourage all to read their story and become inspired as I was.
The Bond is not a unique story in inner city neighborhoods, all three doctors grew up pretty much fatherless. Their story is unique in that they tell their stories and have their father tell theirs as well. Each doctor explains how growing up without a father affected their lives. How they wished they had someone there to support their dreams, take them to extracurricular activities, teach them the facts of life. As you read each story, you'll notice that they all had mentors and examples of strong men in their life, but some of the bad choices they made could have been avoided if their fathers were involved. Sampson explains that just because a father is physically present in the home means nothing. If he is not contributing the development and well being of his children, he might as well be absent. I totally agree, to many times we applaud men for just being there, but they have a responsibility as well as the mother. I know if it had not been for my dad's strong belief in discipline, I probably would not be where I am today. I thank my dad for teaching me to work, save and the ability to take care of myself.
Once Sampson, George and Rameck tell their story, we get to hear their father's point of view. I think so many times we allow our circumstances to dictact our actions or who we become and I feel that is what happened to the fathers of these young men.
I loved the three doctors prior to reading this book because of their vision and dedication to helping the next generations. After reading this book my admiration has grown and they have convinced me to do what I can to make sure all children have a chance. After the fathers tell their story, the three doctors give examples of men that they know who are reversing the cycle and stepping up to the plate to be strong fathers. It is so refreshing to read their words of forgiveness and be reminded that we can make a difference.
