Reverend Run and family discuss Victoria Anne and more on Oprah
Reverend Run, Justine Simmons and their family appeared on Oprah on Monday and talked more about the loss of Victoria Anne. Most of what was said is the same information that was revealed in the Essence interview, but the couple does stress the importance of being in the now, hopeful of the future and not dwelling on the past because that just makes things worse. Justine says,
Oprah, you know how they say mourn and give ‘em space? I’m not believing in that anymore. That mourning gives you more mourning, more blue, more depressed.
Rev adds that he would like others to learn to be grateful for everything in life no matter what happens, just like he is.
I don’t understand what God did, why he did it, but I do know that I’m here now, I’m happy now, I’m here on Oprah, I have my children with me, and I don’t have to keep remembering this if it’s going to bring me down and send me into depression.
His children – daughters Vanessa, 23, and Angela, 19, and sons, Joseph "JoJo," 17, Daniel "Diggy," 12, and Russell "Russy," 10 – are keeping him plenty occupied as Rev’s parenting philosophy is "Don’t let go, even when they’re older." While most parents loosen the reigns on their children as they become teenagers, Rev believes that age period is when parental involvement matters and is needed the most.
This is the time when they’re making the biggest decisions of their life…This is the time when they’re making career decisions. You don’t back up now. When they’re 17, 18, that’s when they’re ready to get high and act stupid. They pick the wrong boyfriend, the wrong girlfriend. So at that point, I’m right there.
His efforts aren’t futile as his children appreciate their father’s active parenting. Vanessa says,
Because you can make the wrong decision and they’ve been through life before. Sometimes the truth might hurt or I might not want to hear that or I might not want to do that, but in the long run, it’s the right [thing].
Source: Oprah
How did you parent your teenagers – or how do you plan to?
Tags: Angela Simmons, Daniel Simmons, Joseph Simmons, Justine Simmons, Oprah, Reverend Run, Russell Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Victoria Simmons
- Posted on Apr 3, 07 at 10:36AM
- Permalink
- 4 Comments
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
One of our guys ot Highbrid Nation did a nice post on Run and his apearance on Oprah. I give him and his family a lot of credit for dealing with thier loss in the public eye.
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I watched the episode featuring the Simmons family. They did touch on the subject of the loss of their daughter but for the most part as it is posted they wanted people to see how they deal with everyday issues good and bad. It’s a great show, I’ve watched from the beginning. I’ve been a fan of RUN DMC since I can remember, it’s awesome to see Run come full circle with his career and family. Rev. Run said it best, it’s when your children enter their late teens that you really need to be there for them and guide them. They’re a loving family and I think it’s great to see a positive family on tv. Best wishes to all of them.
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:27 pm
I absolutely love this family. I like how he said when they are 17 or 18 in a way you become more involved because that is when they can get in big trouble. Our kids are 10,8,7, but I hope with our faith and what we have taught them I can trust them to do the right thing. I’m a believer in roots and wings. Strong values and letting them make decisions. Then living with the consequences (good and bad)from those decisions.
April 15th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
that is the saddest thing i’ve ever heard in my life my mom had twins they died and i’ve a had a sister she died that is a emotional break down for me i hope they are okay god blessed i just hope it doesn’t happen to me when i have a girl or boy but im glad i havent lost all my others who are still with me today that is very loving to me soooooo much love Danielle