I just want to profess that I just love my dad. He is going to be 92 years old in about 3.5 months. I am so proud of him. He has always been a man of God who loves people and loves justice. My dad is an honorable man who is greatly respected by many. Although he has out lived his wife (my beautiful mother), all of his sisters and brothers and many of his close friends he continues to live life to the fullest.
I love to pray and I truly believe that this was a gift passed down from my dad. Whenever I go to visit him at my childhood home in N.J., my father has a tradition of praying for me before I leave to travel back to my home. His prayers have made a great difference in my life.
At almost 92 years old Dad is so VIBRANT! He has great energy and is able to live alone and independently. Now he no longer drives a car after a major hip injury in 2007 however he does drive a brand new top of the line scooter which he affectionately calls his new Cadillac. With his newest toy he actually travels by scooter to various cities in the area. Now I must admit, this is not comforting to know that he drives his scooter so far from home and believe it or not he drives in the street, major street and not on the side walk. Glory to God. I am now like a parent who has allowed a teen to drive the family car.
So rejoice with me as I celebrate my HERO during National Black History Month. This civil rights leader is responsible along with others for the desegregation of schools and set in motion the changes in America to allow an African America President. I am so glad that my father has lived to see the fruits of his labor and putting his life on the line so that America could become a free country.
celebrating dad's birthday at the Cheescake Factory
at Applebees
Dad and Denvia Johnson my BFF and his adopted daughter
Dad with my very best friend and his adopted daughter, Denvia Johnson
Christmas Dinner 2010
I write to testify to the magnificence of "Mr. Pannill". He is a glorious soul who gives to each generation. His loyalty and unselfish commitment from before the 60's helped build our church and strengthen it to this day. And, a recent example, at our UMW Christmas Party, as we were wrapping up, he extended himself to 'connect' with the 6, 7, 8 year olds playing as we packed and organized the gifts and toys contributed for needy children. He engaged the few children bouncing about in the fellowship hall waiting to leave with women still working. I'll never forget it - the sight, the sounds, his patience, the happiness and joy. His stellar self is acknowledged in my memoir, "Black Star Girl". You love him; we love him; I love him. Thanks for letting the world know another black hero amongst us. We are blessed.
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