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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