AS they reflected on the role their dad Walter Ambersley played in creating a better life for his family ahead of Father’s Day, Racquel and her siblings expressed heartfelt gratitude for his resilience, unconditional love, and life lessons that shaped them into who they are today.

A real estate agent and author, Racquel shared that she grew up in the inner-city community of Olympic Gardens with her parents and three brothers — Rohan, Jerome, and Alimont Luke. Their father owned a barber shop in the community called Cool Shave.

She shared with the Jamaica Observer that her father started barbering after a period of unemployment. He learned the skill from a family friend who owned a shop, and started his own business soon after.

Through his barber shop he positively shaped the lives of many youngsters in their community, including his children.

Growing up, she said she and her siblings often watched as their father worked, turning the shop into a space where they could connect and bond as a family.

“We would sit in the shop while he worked, and we would sit in a corner and eat lunch. If he was not working, he would sit beside us. It just felt good — and that, to us, was so meaningful. We might not have [had] any long conversations but just being there in his presence, like a child going to work with their parent, we were always able to go to work — and we didn’t have a problem. It was something we looked forward to,” she said.

“When I look at how he has used that skill or that gift to just take care of his family, and the scarifies he has made, I’m impressed because my father has always been with us…He was able to manage the house, run the barber shop, and ensure that we were well taken care of, and I appreciate that,” Racquel added.

She shared that even at 87 years old, her father continues to cut hair, standing resilient in the face of the many challenges that presented over the years.

Racquel stated that while she has not acquired his barbering skills, she has his fighting spirit and often clings to his words of advice to never be a pushover.

“He would always say, ‘In spite of whatever, be able to stand up for what is right. Don’t allow persons to push you over. Know when to speak up, and when to be silent,’ ” she told the Sunday Observer.

In celebration of Father’s Day she thanked him for always showing up and never shying away from his responsibilities.

“I am the woman I am today because of that,” said Racquel.

“I’ve heard many stories of fathers who sometimes show up and they just decide to leave the lady, or leave and just don’t care about the children any more, and when they’re adults [the children] and they are successful, then they want to show up. My father has been there through the thick and thin, encouraging us to do well in school and encouraging us to take our book, not to be on the road after certain times, and just doing his own way to make us safe. Today I am grateful because now I understand it better. I often say, ‘Thank God, I had my father,’ ” she continued.

Her brother Rohan shared equally fond memories of their times with their father in his barbershop. He recalled the exotic meals his father would often whip up on a Friday, and shared that he always looked forward to the unique options.

Now the CEO of Massy Gas Products Jamaica Limited, Rohan said his father was instrumental in his achievement of success, always driving home the message of having the ambition to rise above your circumstances.

“There are many fathers that are not around, and he has stuck with us and contributed to his children going to school right up to the university level. He has been there throughout our journey and has helped to bring us to the highest level educationally, in a way he has not benefited from,” said Rohan.

He also attributed his desire to dream big and expand his horizons to his father.

“It’s inspired me to talk to my own children about possibilities and the fact that you can achieve anything. Another value of his would be his resilience and just the idea of sticking to a path and never giving up. He would say, ‘There are some days that you’re going to be down, some days that you are going to be bad, but once you have life you keep going — you don’t roll up in a corner — and rise again. Even if yesterday was bad, tomorrow can be better,’ ” he shared.

“Thanks for being a dad who was always present. Thanks for being a dad who stood up to his responsibility. Thanks for being a dad who gave of his best with whatever limitations or challenges you had — you didn’t allow that to cause you to run away. You always stood up and was always present,” he said, in a message to his father.

Altimont Luke, Walter’s adoptive son, shared similar sentiments, thanking his dad for teaching him how to show up and take care of a family, no matter the circumstances.

“I would say to dad to continue to have faith in God; he brought him this far at 87,” said Luke.

In a joint message to their father the siblings said they will use this Father’s Day, and every day, to honour him.

“Your love, sacrifices, and steadfast dedication have moulded our lives in ways we can never fully articulate. You are a true father in every sense of the word, and we are eternally grateful for the precious gift of your presence in our lives. Happy Father’s Day, dad. We love you beyond measure,” they said.

Walter Ambersley (front row, right) and his wife Winnifred (front row, centre) pose for a family photo with their children (standing from left) Jerome, Racquel, Rohan and Altimont Luke (seated left).