Excerpts from Manhood from the Hood

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Webster’s II New College Dictionary defines “coach” as “one who gives private instruction…a private tutor.”

That kind of reminds us of the role of a parent. We give our children private instruction—we tutor them.

So even if you’ve never officially been a coach on the sports field, if you are a parent, you are a coach as well!

More from Coach Denny Welter and why he was so inspired by Bill’s stories of grandfather Roddy.

36. Don’t ask for something that you can do for yourself.

37. Never accept anything from anyone that you don’t earn.

38. How to refrain from getting young girls pregnant and should focus on going to college.

39. Make something out of yourself by going to college and getting an education.

40. My grandparents never talked to us about finances.

41. Study halls were temporary holding pens as far as I was concerned.  Respect education.

42. Obey the family values or there will be hell to pay.  Case closed.

43. Live under my grandparent’s strict, non-negotiable code of values.

44. Basketball is a chess game in motion.  You have to use your mind and intelligence to perform consistently and grow as a player.  First you have to master the fundamentals and then the sky is the limit.  Becoming a great basketball player is a long process.  It takes dedication and many hours of practice.

45. Use education to better yourself.

46. Ernest – What we talked about when we were together was more important than the amount of time we spent together.

Fatherhood lost…and not forgotten

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My dad passed away and was buried during the first 2 weeks of August 1987. So for twenty-four years, the first 2 weeks of August have been a time of deep reflection for me.

My dad and I had a close bond while I was a little girl. He could do no wrong in the eyes of his only daughter.

But from the time I reached puberty until his death, our relationship was contentious. Dad was a proud, unyielding, old school type of guy—common for his generation. That clashed mightily with my budding feminism throughout the 1970s and ‘80s.  We bewildered—no, pissed one another off—regularly.

But it’s during this anniversary time that I think about how much I’ve evolved and matured over the twenty-four years he has been gone; how I’ve made peace with the man who used to rile me up. I know I loved him and I know he loved me before I even knew what love is. If he were still alive today, surely Dad would have matured and evolved as well, don’t you think?

Remember that old saying about most of life’s traumas? “One day you’ll look back on this and laugh!”

Dad, I’m laughing my head off at our former silliness. I bet you are laughing too.

Excerpts from Manhood from the Hood

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One of Manhood From The Hood’s most enthusiastic fans in Coach Denny Welter!

As we told you last week, Coach Welter has spent a career teaching young people how to use the same life values Bill Roddy’s grandfather shared with Bill when Bill was young.

Coach Welter agrees that sometimes the thoughtful gestures of kindness and support from adults can help a young person thrive:

“My high school basketball coach, Merlyn Kinkel, would give me and the other kids who lived out in the country a ride home from practice. There wasn’t a late bus to take us home in those days. That thoughtful act allowed us to play basketball when we might not otherwise have been able.”

Keep checking in every Monday to read Coach Welter’s Favorite Quotes from Manhood From The Hood!

Thanks Coach!

11.Being at the ballpark created a bond with his grandfather at many levels.

12.Learn to read well.  It is the key to a good education.

13. Never trust anyone outside of our family

14. Take pride in working the fields, producing the crops and reaping the harvest.

15. Take pride in the work you do.

Coach Welter and all of us at Manhood From The Hood would love to see some of YOUR favorite quotes so send them in!

Excerpts from Manhood from the Hood

by Leave a Comment

One of Manhood From The Hood’s most enthusiastic fans in Coach Denny Welter!

As we told you last week, Coach Welter has spent a career teaching young people how to use the same life values Bill Roddy’s grandfather shared with Bill when Bill was young.

Coach Welter wanted to share his commentary with our readers. So check in every Monday to see Coach Welter’s Favorite Quotes from Manhood From The Hood!

Thanks Coach!

6. As a parent, he valued the responsibility of taking care of his family.  His definition of manhood.

7. Be responsible and independent

8. It’s okay to use public assistance during a period of transition in one’s life.

9. Never judge those who live in public housing.

10. Public assistance if made a habit of, could destroy a family’s work ethic.

Coach Welter and all of us at Manhood From The Hood would love to see some of YOUR favorite quotes so send them in!