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Life isn’t always sweet, especially when society tries to sell the
image of the idealistic family. We’ve all seen it—the utopian vision
of family life complete with two successful, doting parents and
a brood of smart, well-adjusted children. This is often a fairy
tale, and it certainly isn’t one that describes most American families.
In order to be truthful and balanced, we must introduce the narrative
of the Black family that illustrates victory over pain and triumph
over true adversity. These are often the stories that take our breath
away and make us reflect on what it means to grow when life brings
us to our knees. These stories provide examples of strength and
fortitude that come along at the right time. Just as we relish lessons
that glorify family life and make us feel good about our place in
the world, it is equally important to heed the lessons that sting
a bit and make us a little uncomfortable.
Juana Patricia Wooldridge wears several titles at this stage in
her life, including single mother, author, student, blogger, and
motivational speaker. She is also the creator of The Heart of the
World Skincare and a celebrated radio personality, hosting weekly
shows that cover sports, entertainment, politics, faith and spirituality,
and relationships. She uplifts and inspires the masses with lessons
she has learned that have made her wiser and more resilient than
she ever thought possible.
For Wooldridge, life hasn’t always been sweet, and her road hasn’t
been smooth. Nevertheless, she tells all who will listen that she
is blessed and highly favored. She has faced challenges that could
easily take down the mightiest soul. But for all of the obstacles
she has endured, there have been triumphant moments—moments of clarity
and introspection, moments of forgiveness and understanding, moments
that shook her to the core and forced her to redefine life on her
own terms. She has, however, been steadfast in her belief in God
and His ability to carry her through the darkest times. Wooldridge
is a thirty-five-year-old rare beauty known to render men speechless
when they lay eyes on her chiseled cheeks bones, flawless complexion,
and dazzling brown eyes. Her physical beauty, however, pales in
comparison to the beauty that lives inside her heart. While only
God and genetics can be credited with her physical beauty, her internal
beauty is due in large part to the bright lights in her life—her
relationship with her five-year-old son, Blace, her father, David,
and God.
Wooldridge learned to be a survivor from her father, David Wooldridge,
Jr. Her dad helped her develop resilience and uplifted her when
she didn’t feel she had the strength to carry on. Her journey is
about a strong-willed, supportive father and his equally strong-willed,
determined daughter whose triumphs in life are a reflection of her
inner strength and her father’s love. She has arrived at a place
of acceptance and understanding about difficult personal choices
she has made and casts no aspersions on her family for whom love
springs eternal.
Wooldridge considers her father a man of many talents and layers.
He is extremely outspoken and a master debater, always up for a
good, constructive argument about politics, world events, or issues
affecting the community. He is also a gentle, loving soul. David
has a quick wit and is considered a bit of a comedian in the family.
He loves to say things, especially at family gatherings, that shock
everyone, leaving family members laughing hysterically in wide-eyed
disbelief. Most important, Wooldridge feels that her father has
a heart of gold. When Juana’s brother, Malcolm, became a successful
football player in grade school and later in high school, David
made sure his son and some of his teammates, particularly those
who didn’t have fathers in the home, were encouraged and given positive
reinforcement. He took the time to get to know Malcolm’s teammates
and made it a priority to take them all out to eat regularly. He
would have the boys over to the Wooldridge home where he talked
with and got to know them. He became a role model for the young
men.
Despite hardships, Wooldridge is comforted knowing that her father
is still by her side, supporting her in good times and in bad. In
her eyes, her dad has always been a shining example of a wonderful
African American father. “My dad has always taken care of his family,
and when I was in a very difficult place, my father never abandoned
me,” says Juana. “No matter what anybody says or does, he has always
been there to help me get on my feet and get my own life together.
My father is very giving. He is such a huge part of Blace’s life
too. He’s always there.” Ultimately, Wooldridge is happy with her
decisions and her life—a life her father helped shape and define.
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