Tribute to My Dad, Mr. Thomas Linsford Coleman Sr.
by Kenrick Mark Coleman
We might not have agreed on everything. But my Dad was unique, humble spirited, and amazing in his own right.
He and my Mom provided us with our necessities. They loved us dearly.
We were and are always referred to as the Coleman boys, of the reputable Coleman’s Cafe, owned and operated by the most beautiful couple in the world, Tom and Perlene.
Our childhood days were filled with moments of playing in the yard, receiving some whipping from my dad (for some mischievous act), learning new things at home, and helping in the Cafe.
My Dad and Mom always lauded the efforts and achievements of their boys -
*Thomas Jr. — of his stellar commitment to working hard, and the first, to start a family, and of course, my dad loved his first grandson, Trevor.;
*Yours truly, Kenrick Mark — he keeps sharing my story — the son who established his charities and contributing to national progressive and sustainable development, and most importantly, he tells everyone about his son ‘Kenny’ who studied in London, attaining his Master’s Degree on a Chevening Scholarship.
*Nathan Brandon, the baby of the family, he kept really close. They worked together every time in all the businesses the family operates. He takes solid advice from Nathan. He loved what Nathan is doing in transforming our home.
I remember going to the Rice Mill and taking his breakfast or dinner, and how he loved flour tortilla, stew chicken and stew beans. I remember jumping up and down on the bags full of rice. I enjoyed just being at his workplace.
I remember coming home from UB at night, my dad would go and pick me up at the Rice Mill junction.
Sometimes when I would get mad at home, I would leave all the chores for him to do. And, then, at other times, I felt sorry for him, I knew he was getting old.
When he re-opened his grocery store recently, I would always go in, and take sweet treats, or some ingredients to make muffins, and oh, how he loved my carrot and banana muffins!
Tom and Perlene values hard work, discipline, community support, and unending love. They taught us well. They taught us greatness.
But some would ask, what is hard work and discipline without emotional support? Of course, emotional support and mental health is paramount for the success formula, in every sector of life. Emotional Intelligence is priority.
My Foundation’s efforts has been recognizing outstanding, hardworking Belizeans. In one of my recent features, Daril Avila, a young, upcoming, outstanding volleyball player said and I quote:
I would always tell anyone I come in contact with “Focus. Different. Inspire”.
Always remain focus on what it is that you’re doing and where you’re heading as well as to never lose sight of the importance in being different. No one who lives to tell a great story followed the crowd all the way, with that, be sure to always leave an occasion or location better than you found it; positive words are always better than pocket money.
The shocking news on June 2 has changed our lives. I have been shocked before, depression though, 10 months of tough times! But June 2 hit me hard. June 2nd created a vacuum which can never be replaced.
Dad, you didn’t live to see your son advance his career in diplomacy and political communication.
This is love! This is the Coleman boys. This is Tom and Perlene.
To my Mom, and my two brothers:
Dad is always with us, here, in our hearts.
Dad, Hello.
Hello from the other side.
