Source: ABC

I know you were not disappointed last night. The season finale managed to close just enough doors to provide closure but open up one very big one to get us ready for the next season. It’s going to be a long wait until September but after last night’s episode, we’re sure folks will be more than willing to tune in.

Halle Berry isn’t the only 45-plus person in Hollywood becoming a parent. More than ever before, men are fathering children later in life. Be it they are more financially stable, starting a new love relationship or finally expecting with their partner after years of trying, it seems to be the new norm. Fatherhood is about loving your child and being there for them through thick and thin, and we wonder if these 15 celebs have ever done mental calculations for milestones, you know graduation, marriage, first grandbaby etc. Only time will tell, but for now they seem to enjoy being dads instead of granddads.

Source: WENN

We’re a bit late with this news, but last week LL Cool J’s father passed away. On Thursday, the rapper tweeted a message to his father James Nunya, who was 65 at the time he died, saying:

According to Rolling Out, LL was raised by his mother, Ondrea Smith, after his parents divorced when he was 4. It would appear his father James was still a big part of his life from the tweet LL sent out. The rapper didn’t share any details regarding the cause of death, only sending out a follow up message to thank his fans for their prayers and thoughts. We’re definitely praying for him and his family at this time.

More on Madame Noire!

• Solid As A Rock! Couples Who Are BANNED From Calling It Quits
• Don’t Be Scaaaaared! 6 Ways to Approach a Guy
• Man I Miss My Dog: Why It Sucks Cutting Opposite-Sex Friendships When You’re In A Relationship
• Is He Who He Says He Is? 6 Ways To Research Your Man
• Girl, Just Say “Thank You”: How I Realized That I Wasn’t Good At Accepting Compliments
• Change Clothes: Can You Go From “Friends With Benefits” to “Wifey”?
• Where Are They Now? 11 Forgotten, Familiar and Favorite Faces From Some Of Our Favorite Spike Lee Joints

Source: visualphotos.com

I remember the last Father’s Day that my dad was alive.

It was three years ago. I had just graduated from college and was visiting my mom in Atlanta for the week. Before I left, I had bought my dad two Father’s Day cards. I love cards and he did too so, every year, I would take a significant amount of time searching for a funny one and a serious one. That year was no different and I found two perfect cards. In the hustle of trying to get out of the house and drive down to Atlanta in time for the Atlanta Greek Picnic, I didn’t get a chance to give my dad the cards. That’s okay, I told myself, I’ll give them to him when I get back. And off I went down South. A few days later, on Father’s Day, I called my dad to wish him a great one and thank him for the emergency money he had wired me the day before. The next day, I thought to myself that I should call him but it was late, so I decided I’d call him tomorrow.

The next morning, he was killed in a murder-suicide.

In the hurricane of emotions and activity that followed, I kept thinking about those Father’s Day cards sitting on my dresser unsigned and never given to him.

As if I were not suffering enough, those cards tortured me. They served as a sobering reminder that tomorrow is not promised and if you have a silly card to give to someone, give it to them — even if it means missing a sorority stroll at a picnic. Of course, I realize they were just cards, but they represented everything I lost on that devastating morning. They represented the words never uttered, a thankful spirit never expressed and the fact that I would never have a father again.

I was a fortunate one, I guess, considering some of the stories I’ve heard about people not even knowing who their father is. Even though my parents divorced when I was ten, my dad was a big part of my life growing up. My mother and I moved to Atlanta while I was in high school, but I ended up moving back to my hometown and into his house during my Senior year. Then, I attended college about 90 minutes away, so I was home all the time. He was there to lecture me about finances, attend school events, financially support me, and keep me sufficiently nervous about my choices in men.

When he died, a friend reminded me that I was a “lucky one” to have had a true father in my life for 23 years, but still I was utterly devastated that he wouldn’t be there for the next 23 and the 23 after that. It’s still sad to think that he isn’t here today to see how I turned out (and am still turning out). It’s especially sad around Father’s Day.

It’s weird, because I swear this country has turned up the festivities on this Hallmark holiday like none other since he passed. I’m sure that’s not the case and it just seems like that because I’m on the other side. Still, I’ve determined that this year I will still celebrate Dad’s Day despite not having a dad. I will be glad for the memories I have and celebrate the dads who are still creating memories with their kids.

Fathers get a bad rap in this country because of the many who have abandoned their kids. That’s not every dad though. Sure the statistics are dismal, but even if 50 percent of kids are living without a dad present, there are still 50 percent who have their dad there in their lives every single day. Then there are other kids who have a stepfather, grandfather, cousin, uncle or brother who have selflessly stepped up to the plate and been a father to a child who otherwise wouldn’t have one. I was already an adult when I lost my dad, but I am still thankful for my stepdad, my father-in-law and my father God in heaven. All whom serve as a daily reminder that I am not “fatherless”. That’s definitely something to celebrate this weekend.

I may even buy someone a card.

Alissa Henry is a freelance writer living in Columbus, OH. Follow her on Twitter @AlissaInPink or check out her blog: This Cannot Be My Life 

More on Madame Noire!

• Can We Stop the Black Male Bashing…At Least on Father’s Day?
• Being Selfish or Being Sensible? What’s So Wrong With Not Wanting To Have Children?
• Looking Within: Am I A Match For The Ideal Man I Am Praying For?
• OOoo Girl, No! 6 Hair Mistakes You Need Not Make
• Don’t Be His Fool, or His Doormat: Excuses Women Need to Stop Making For Men
• In Summer Fashion, White Is The New Black: 6 White Pieces for Your Wardrobe
• You Could’ve Kept That: 9 Movie Remakes and Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Seen the Light of Day

Father’s Day is Sunday and if you’re in search for a last minute Father’s Day gift,we have some splendiferous (no, that’s not a real word) options for you, and they’re all in the beauty category. Who says dad doesn’t need to take care of himself and try some pampering? Without much frill, here are four awesome gifts that will show the great man in your life some appreciation.

Shea Moisture Shave Collection for Men

1. Shave Kits

This may seem passé, but shaving for men isn’t as simple as it looks, even if they do it every day. This is especially true for men of color who deal with coarser, curlier hair textures that are prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps (and those little bumps are not cute). Gifting dad a quality shaving kit will go a long way with keeping his skin smooth and moisturized. You can keep it all natural with Shea Moisture’s Men’s Shave Collection, which is easy to find at any Target or Walmart. Or go luxurious with the Art of Shaving’s Professional Shave Bundle, available at Macy’s and Sephora.

Source: polyvore

2. Skincare

Yes, skincare is different from the shaving kits. In between shaves dad still needs to take care of his face, even the low-maintenance Dial soap man. Carol’s Daughter Acai Hydrating Face Butter is a quality addition to a gift bundle for dad. It’s a great moisturizer (I’m a big fan) that doesn’t leave the face shiny. Dad can simply apply it to any dry patches on his face and keep his face manly and moisturized without the shine.

Source: cumidanciki.com

3. Body Care

Never underestimate the care your father puts into his personal hygiene. We may think our father’s are simple men, but if you place something in their life they may use it and add it to their daily regimen. Men tend to be hard on their feet and every man doesn’t feel comfortable going to get that regular pedicure. So slide dad some foot powder or lotion, such as the soothing Carol’s Daughter Peppermint Foot Lotion. Sending that his way with a fresh pack of socks (and even some nail clippers) is a cute gift that will help the simple man take a step into better foot care. Kiehl’s Cross Terrain collection is another fab option that includes a dry foot cream along with a face cream and body wash, available at Nordstrom.

Source: netikka.net

4. Hair Care

Dad’s hair line and hair health is just as important as our hair. Long before natural hair was the trend, our fathers were the natural trendsetters. So if you are super stuck for a gift just look at your own inventory of hair products, especially if you and your father have a similar simple hair texture. Dad still needs to keep his hair and scalp moisturized so customize a gift bundle including your favorite moisturizing product along with personal sentimental items (a book he use to read to you, music he likes, etc.,). The best gifts are ones that require some thought, and we’re sure he’ll appreciate it.

More on Madame Noire!

• Can We Stop the Black Male Bashing…At Least on Father’s Day?
• Being Selfish or Being Sensible? What’s So Wrong With Not Wanting To Have Children?
• Looking Within: Am I A Match For The Ideal Man I Am Praying For?
• OOoo Girl, No! 6 Hair Mistakes You Need Not Make
• Don’t Be His Fool, or His Doormat: Excuses Women Need to Stop Making For Men
• In Summer Fashion, White Is The New Black: 6 White Pieces for Your Wardrobe
• You Could’ve Kept That: 9 Movie Remakes and Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Seen the Light of Day

While most fathers-to-be stay tight-lipped in the delivery room so as not to set off their unborn child’s mother who is writhing in pain and likely to say anything that comes to mind, Charles McDaniel did just the opposite.

The Air Force Staff Sergeant was waiting to welcome his fifth child with his wife, LaQuita, in a hospital in Aviano, Italy, when the fetal monitor started acting up. Unphased, the 32-year-old Houston native took advantage of the opportunity to make light of the situation and started raping about the delivery to the beat of the beeping monitors.

“I just, you know, started singing,” he told MSNBC.

As funny as it was listening to him, I was more shocked that his wife didn’t go off, although Charles says at first she was really irritated and knocked the camera out of his hand. Later, she agreed with friends and family who thought the clip could go viral and decided to upload it to YouTube. So far it’s gotten about 56,000 views.

Charles McDaniel probably won’t get a record deal any time soon, but his antics definitely made us laugh. Check it out and tell us what you think.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• Sisters In Hiding: Not So Famous Sisters of Famous Celebs
• Delusions Of A Thirsty Chick
• Things Black Mothers Say
• Celebrity Mistresses: The Good, The Bad, and The Trifling
• 7 Curl Defining Products to Get Your Curls and Coils Poppin’
• Family Ties: 7 Rappers Who Finally Grew Up
• He Loves Me: Men Who Just Adore Their Wives
• What Exactly Makes Something Ghetto?