Conversations with My Father

Just when you think you know everything about something or someone another unfamiliar side of them rises to the surface. The person you meet today may be a small fragment of their former self. You are probably thinking that means the person is putting on a façade but not necessarily because evolution is continuous. Pride can be our greatest asset and downfall. Overall, insecurity is real and can be present in the lives of even the most confident individuals.

Please join my father and me in Conversations with my Father Session Nine as we continue to discover the complex layers of ourselves.

1. What is the one thing that you refuse to compromise on? Describe when you compromised on something and later realized it was a serious mistake.

D. Lester Morgan: I refuse to compromise on my principles. I recall in college when I was asked by a friend to play match maker for him with a fellow student that I knew because he was shy. In my attempt, she became infatuated with me. My friend accused me of acting on my own behalf and I couldn't convince him otherwise. To this day, that was a valuable lesson.

AM Morgan: The gift of gab is a powerful tool to possess and it seems you know how to use it well. Seriously, playing match maker is not a good idea especially when it doesn't work out for the parties involved. I refuse to compromise on being respected. I remember just going along with the flow in situations because I wanted to avoid conflict. Truthfully, I never avoided the conflicts because inwardly I was battling with withholding my true feelings.

2. Complete the following: Always __________
Never __________

D. Lester Morgan: Always lead or follow in a way that commands respect. Never act out of anger. Rise above emotions into the thinking of God.

A.M. Morgan: Always say please and thank you. You are not entitled to anything. Never pretend to be someone's friend.

3. What is your favorite sport and athlete?

D. Lester Morgan: My favorite sport is track and field. My favorite athlete is Muhammad Ali.

A.M. Morgan: My favorite sport is basketball. I would have to agree on Muhammad Ali as being my favorite athlete as well. I gained a greater appreciation and respect for him when I read "The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life's Journey." He is still a champion even while battling with Parkinson's disease.

4. Do you remember when you realized that writing was your passion? What is your favorite style of writing? Why?

D. Lester Morgan: I had a passion for writing at an early age. I kept a book, pencil and paper close at hand. My favorite style of writing is narration. It gives me an opportunity to appeal to a large and diverse audience.

A.M. Morgan: I wrote my first poem in the seventh grade. I also enjoyed writing book reports or anything that forced me to think outside the box. My favorite style of writing is conversational(interviews, opinion/editorial). I pretty much like to write about various aspects of the human struggle. I don't think I have completely defined my niche just yet.

5. What are you most vain about?

D. Lester Morgan: I am most vain about my wardrobe. I think that fine clothes are part of what makes a man.

A.M. Morgan: I am most vain about my teeth. I remember when my tooth chipped it was like the end of the world for me. My friends thought I was making a big deal out of nothing but it was a real crisis for me.

6. What are you most shy about?

D. Lester Morgan: I am most shy about sharing my vulnerabilities with others. My philosophy is not to reveal my weaknesses to anyone.

A.M. Morgan: Wow that is not something I was expecting you to say. I am most shy about talking about my personal accomplishments. For a long time it was hard for me to accept a compliment from someone. In general, you won't hear me talking about myself in conversations that I am having.

7. When and where are you the happiest?

D. Lester Morgan: I am most happy at home and with family engaged in conversation. It also helps to know that one is financially secure also.

A.M. Morgan: I am the most happiest in small yet intimate settings with family and friends having dinner or a good time. Also, I am happy when I am listening to good music it is very therapeutic for me.

8. What is your most treasured possession?

D. Lester Morgan: My most treasured possession is my education. In looking back at my life, I can truly say that the mind is a terrible thing to waste.

A.M. Morgan: My most treasured possession is the gift of life and waking up each day with the opportunity to fulfill my dreams and help others along the way.

9. Any last words?

D. Lester Morgan: Peace be with you.

A.M. Morgan: "You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself." Ethel Barrymore

Thanks for stopping by and reading Conversations with my Father Session Nine. Your comments are greatly appreciated.