She Magazine June 2014 | Page 39

JUNE SPECIAL 40% off regular session fee D espite the obstacles she faced as a child, she cherishes the specials moments spent with him. “He loved working with me in his garden, and he would teach me about all the different plants and why it was important to do this or that. He was the first person to teach me to swim. I was only 2 years old! He would take me out to the golf range and show me how to hit a golf ball. He wanted me to experience all the fun things in life. Growing up without my real dad wasn’t easy at times; it was more confusing for me than anything. I always wondered if it was me or something I had done… but I look back and am so thankful that my grandfather stepped up because I don’t know what my life would have been like if he hadn’t.” Her grandfather adds, “With Brittany, the challenge was trying to be the father she needed. Sometimes I felt I would be unable to fill those shoes adequately - how would I deal with the anger and frustration she had because of not having her actual father around? I always tried to convince her that life has granted her many benefits and opportunities.” Having practiced medicine for over 50 years, there’s no doubt Dr. Suggs is one busy man. However, he always devoted time to his beloved family. “We made sure that time was always planned out to do activities together. We attended Sunday School and church together every week. We enjoyed going to the beach, camping, and traveling to many states each summer. Taking the kids fishing in the cool streams of North Carolina was a favorite pastime. We were always playing games to see who could catch the biggest fish!” It wasn’t all fun and games, however, as there were many life lessons to be learned as well. Lessons that Brittany will be applying very soon as she is expecting her first child in July with her husband, Jay. “I learned to try to never get really angry or upset at him, or at anything for that matter. He always wanted to communicate and try to resolve the situation as best as he knew how, even though at times I wasn’t up for it. I remember having those teenage tantrums and locking myself in my room. A little letter would often come sliding under my door. That little letter was written by him expressing his concerns, advice, and feelings. I still have some of those letters and they help me get through tough situations even now. So as my son gets older, I want him to always have an open line of communication with me and Jay no matter what.”  Surely her son will inherit Dr. Suggs’ other admirable qualities as well. “I learned just by being raised by him that determination, hard work, and respect for others can take you to the moon and back. I have carried that with me everywhere I go. I work hard at my job, stay determined, and always try to respect others and treat them as I would want to be treated. My grandfather’s hard work, determination to learn new things and the fact that he’s still practicing medicine at his age while doing all he can for his family has been the biggest lesson of all.” The hard work and dedication throughout the years has been worth it, as Dr. Suggs has enjoyed watching his children grow and develop into the individuals they are meant to be. And in case they ever stumble, he’s there to provide those fatherly words of wisdom: “Be true to yourself, trust your own abilities, and maintain a strong faith in God. That will get you through the darkest hours of troubled times. Also, having a good sense of humor will make life’s journey more pleasant.” Looking back at how their relationship has grown, Dr. Suggs is proud of the woman Brittany has become. “There is so much joy in being around Brittany. She has a curious mind and takes relationships with people very seriously. She speaks her mind and is always honest. When there is discord in a relationship of hers, she struggles and is persistent to make it right. Brittany does not give up until it is resolved. She truly is so much fun to be around, and we have enjoyed raising her.” As for Brittany, she shares these words for him: “Thank you for all you have done for me an