Author Denise Ann Goosby sheds light on the importance of dads, in her newest book “Thank You, Dad! A Tribute to My Girl Dad—and Girl Daddies Everywhere”
Parents and families are facing many new challenges these days, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of fathers being involved in their children’s lives.
In her second book, “Thank You Dad! A Tribute to My Girl Dad—and Girl Daddies Everywhere,” author Denise Ann Goosby, shares her own story about the experiences she had with growing up with her dad such as singing with her dad in church, going fishing with him, and hearing him talk about his days of growing up in Alabama.
“I had a great dad, and when I didn’t know that God loved me, I always knew that my dad loved me,” she stated. The book celebrates her dad and all dads who are doing great things. Goosby’s book, “Thank You Dad,” is not only a beautiful tribute to her own father, but it is also a tribute to all Black men and helps to dispel the myth that Black men are not there for their children.
The book is meant to encourage other men, too. It’s also written to show the young dads, or even the dads that walked away or those who may be scared to be dads that it’s just important that you are there. Do your best! It doesn’t have to be a big production. It’s the little things that matter. Just spend time with your children, whenever you can. Even if it just going to the store.
Just show up. Just be yourself and spend some time with your children. Your presence is vital, and your time is valuable. Goosby stated, “My dad was my hero. He took time with me. Spend time with your children. Tell them stories, let them know who you are and that you love them.”
Her beautifully illustrated picture book is written in clear language that is easy for children to read themselves, yet contains a depth of wisdom with love woven throughout each word; making it an amazing read and keepsake for adults to read to their children. Goosby developed a love of writing as a child, and she felt best when she wrote and sang, she recalled. “As a child, I was shy, heavy, bullied, and not comfortable in my own skin, but God used writing to show me that I’ve been gifted to be a messenger.
“Even though I had some tough things to go through, God promised me that it would manifest itself one day,” said the author. “This book will bless anyone who reads it because it’s a message from God to you, through the eyes of the author.”
One reader stated, “The book let me know what a loving father looks like. The book encourages the reader to know that loving fathers really do exist, and it painted a picture for her of what a good father looks like.”
When asked, what about men who have not been there for their children, Goosby responded, “It’s never too late. It may not be easy, but God will bless your efforts, and it will mean a lot to your children, and especially to your daughters to know that their father cares, that their dad loves them.”
If you are someone who didn’t have a dad in the home growing up, or if your experience wasn’t so great, the story in this book will encourage you. The author reassures the reader that what you experienced doesn’t have to be repeated.
When asked to describe herself, Goosby said, “Whether I’m writing, speaking, or singing – I’m a messenger. Writing my story was one way of me being God’s messenger.
“I wrote this book to not only congratulate the great dads, but to also encourage those who perhaps have not been there. Even the dads who walked away, it’s never too late,” said Goosby. “My dad was my hero,” said Goosby. “Be your daughter’s hero and put your daughter before you. Every daughter wants to know where she came from; you are part of her essence. God picked you to be her father, so be her hero.
“Give her a call, write a letter, do your best, and above all, tell her that you love her and that you are proud of her. You cannot redo the past but remember God can make all things new. With God, all things are possible. God can make a way,” she insisted.
Goosby is not only a great author, but she encourages people to write their own stories. “As African Americans, we need those stories, so why not record your story, and use this book as a model for honoring your dad,” said Goosby. “I thank God for writing this story through me,” she said. “Ultimately, God wants to turn the children into the fathers, and the fathers into the children.
To learn more, visit denisegoosby.com.
