The Link - May 2023 - Image 3

Daryl lives for his two sons.

“Don’t leave them. Show them love. Do things with them,” he says. “You’ve got to find time. Life is too short, and those kids grow fast.”

The single dad of 10-year-old Tyler and 12-year-old Daryl Jr. dedicates every day to making sure his boys have the best life possible.

“I’d give them my last breath,” Daryl says. “There isn’t anything in the world that I wouldn’t do for them. I love my kids times infinity.”

He’s been taking care of his boys on his own since their mother left right after Tyler was born. Since then, Daryl, a mechanic, has taken on extra jobs to help pay the bills.

When times are particularly tough — like in the summer, when the boys aren’t getting meals at school — Daryl sometimes skips his own meals to make sure his kids eat.

In those lean times, Daryl is grateful for a nearby food pantry.

“It does get hard sometimes,” Daryl says. “Especially if I don’t have a good week at work and we’re low on food, we’ll get a meal at the pantry.”

Daryl says the folks at the pantry never make him feel embarrassed about seeking help.

“They treat me like family,” he says. “I know I have help if I need it.”

And if it helps his boys, he’s all for it. Anything for his sons.

“I always tell them, ‘Show love, don’t hate,’” he says. “We’re the only family we’ve got, so cherish it.”

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