Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

As a child, you tend to see who's walking beside you but not who paved the road. He wasn't very expressive but in all I aspired to do, my father, Rev. Paul Luckett worked hard to make sure I had the things I needed.

In a conversation we had just today, I told him that I was thankful and proud of him, not only for what he did for me but for his example of service to others that continues to this day. I emphasized that I wasn't just saying it because today was his birthday and apologized for not saying it before and more often, without special occasion.

My father replied, "Thank you, son, but I know. You regularly give indications. And, when you can read between the lines, some things don't need to be said."

Well, I want to say it. No man has been more influential in my life than you. I love you. I'm proud of you. I thank God for my relationship with you. And, today we honor you on your birthday.

Happy birthday, Dad.