Son of My Youth
Marcus Lamont Rowland
Letters of a Loving Father
Marcus Lamont Rowland = Son of My Youth
Marcus, you are the son of my youth. You came into our lives at a time when we had the energy to not only teach you what was right but also model for you the right way.
I can remember like it was yesterday...you, Tee, and Sheldon playing football in the backyard. Often the oldest child in a family or village is involved in the most activities. Later, parents pull back a bit with their younger children. That was the case with you. You were involved in so much.
One of the things I admired the most about you is that from playing basketball, attending church groups, being a Boy Scout, volunteering, camping, hiking, keeping up with school work, working out, and yes, even track, you never did complain. I would have had you take a skydiving class in the 11th grade, but there was just not enough time. Oh, I almost forgot about your weekly chores and a part time job to boot.
To say your life has always been busy is an understatement, but you did it all with such a great attitude.
Son, it has been a joy to see you grow into the man you have become. I have learned some valuable lessons along the way by being part of your family village. I have learned that no matter how talented you are, having a good work ethic and the ability to persevere when things get challenging is infinitely more important. Most people know that you own records in track and field and had a successful career as an athlete. What many don’t know is how you had to overcome health issues since you were a teenager and the work you put in everyday to achieve your goals. This has translated into your professional life, where you have continued to achieve success.
The next thing you taught me is how to put others before myself. Family has a unique meaning for you because you have a lot of family and people who love you. The ability to balance time with all the people you love, while also being a role model to your siblings is a gift.
There are so many memories I have of you. Do you remember when you and a group of teenagers got lost on a camping trip? You all were gone for hours and it was getting dark. We ended up contacting the park ranger, and you guys were found on a highway going towards NC. When everyone returned to the camp, I was so thankful and proud to find out you all came together, prayed, and used the training you were taught to get to safety. I believe you were one of the ones to lead the way in that.
Son, you have always been a leader, and I admire how you look out for and connect with all of your family and friends. I am excited to see what’s ahead in your life and the many blessings that are coming your way. I want you to know that we are always praying for you and only a phone call away.
Being Marcus’ Dad has taught me:
1. Serving family and friends is a blessed life.
2. Working a plan is better than planning to work.
3. Family has no bounds.