My Wonderful Father, Friend & First Love

When men pray, God may do any of these three things: He may say a yes, He may say a no or a 'not now'... it is left to God to do as He deems fit. If He decides not to accede to our request, there's really nothing anyone can do about it -it's His prerogative, we cannot take Him to court and at best, it's wise to give Him a free hand

Wow ! I would never have imagined that I would be writing a tribute to my dad, I mean not at this point in my life anyway. My Dad’s life –who he was to me, what he was -can never be understood just written in words. Words can truly not describe a quarter of the man he was, but at their best, could only try to give a reflection of the selfless and unassuming man who lived such a full and impactful life. You never really stop feeling the loss of someone close to you and I know people say time heals all wounds, so far it hasn't healed mine. My whole world hasn't been the same since he left and probably won't be the same.

People who know me know how close I was with him and I can't possibly describe our relationship in a post or words. No day goes by without the thought of him and I especially reminisce on the last week before he left. Words can't describe how much I miss him, or how much I want him to be here to listen to me and help me when I need him to like he always did.

Daddy! 

You exemplified ‘Sacrifice’ – because you always wanted the best for your family even at your own expense. If you had a 100 naira you only kept 10 for yourself ensuring we were fully taken care of even if it meant you going without.

You exemplified the word ‘Protector’ – I cannot forget the day armed robbers came into the house and you offered yourself to them while telling us to go and hide so we would be ok. You also told them to leave mummy alone and deal with you instead (that was most definitely the point I knew that your love for us knew no bounds and you were a great protector).

You exemplified the word ‘Teacher’ – because you always knew what to say and how to say it even in times of trouble. You always told me to give God a problem and leave it with him to solve not worrying about it. You actually lived out that saying leaving everything to God to decide -in His care. You have taught me more about what I need and should look for in a man. You constantly reminded not to settle for less and also of my place as the child of a king. And you teaching me is what I will miss the most.

5th of September was a tough day and everyday since then has been different, I want to wake up everyday for it to be a dream but it hasn’t been.  I want to wake up and see you again saying Omoyo yo yo. I want to have a sing off with Yimika and you choose her over me again. I want to be able to say ‘Daddy se wa alright’ again. I really wish you left me a manual for the times you wont be here again.

My dad was my close friend, I would tell him anything from work to relationships and yet I respected him so much. Some father a child but he was more interested in having a relationship with his children. He called me Omoyo onigbese because I borrowed money from him knowing I wouldn’t return it. I told him sometime in August that the only reason I borrowed money from him was because when I asked he said no but when I use the word borrow he would gladly give it. He replied saying I know I would not “borrow” you if I couldn’t give you and I also don’t want you to ask things from outsiders when your father is capable of giving you.

He also encouraged my writing, I showed him some of my blog posts and he was so proud. I’m happy that I constantly told him how much he meant to me. I’ll always carry his heart with me; no one can steal the memory of his love away. He was a King amongst men of which there are a few. My heart, my rock, and my bull who would I be if God did not bring us together.

Life with him was definitely amazing; he loved us and made sure to the best of his ability that we lacked nothing. It is only human to miss and cry for your loved one but I’m glad that I have another angel watching over me. God’s will was done and you are no longer in pain and I know He’ll heal and comfort us on every side.

I will be comforted by these words from the book of Revelations 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them."