A Heartfelt Tribute to Fathers on Father's Day

It's Father's Day all around the world, and I want to use this medium to say a big thank you to everyone who has been and acted in the capacity of a father figure in my life. I'm not privileged to have many men who acted in that capacity, but my dad on his own is a one-man army who has gone through tick and thin just so I and my siblings would have the best of everything. His level of resilience and commitment to being there for us is something I still can't fathom if I'll be able to reciprocate for my kids, because his acts are just mind-blowing and leave me standing in awe.

My dad wasn't from a rich family, and being the first child of his parents in an African home, he carries the responsibility for paving the way for his young ones as well as living an extraordinary life that is worthy of emulation. That's not to mention how the youngest ones usually look up to their elders for help in diverse ways, such as emotionally and financially. Despite how things weren't so pleasant, he tries as much as possible to be there for everyone, be it his siblings, parents, and we his children, all that at the expense of his own personal dreams and comfort.

A few days ago, while celebrating family weekend in our church, I remember taking note of how almost everyone praises their mom for her love and care and also promising to do all it takes to make them happy at all times. Only a few remember talking about their dad, and the few who did only have a few words to say in appreciation for what they did.

You see, this is the cross of fathers, and being a man myself, I've come to understand everything and how it seems as though the father's ain't doing much in the sight of their children, because the mother is the one mostly around to care for and nurture them while the dad is out there working is ass out, doing multiple jobs and shifts just so he can earn enough to give us the kind of life we deserve, and all of these can limit the amount of time they spend with us the children, making it seem almost out of the equation of our growth and training.

But in truth, they're always there, if not for everyone. I can attest to that of my dad, who at a time had me and two of my siblings in the university, and each of us paying at least 100 thousand naira as tuition fee per session, and that doesn't even have food, house rent, or other basic needs fees, and yet despite all of these being too cumbersome on his and it seeming likely that one of us would have to drop out for the others to continue, that didn't happen because my dad went as far as delving into multiple jobs, taking loans, and the like, just so well all get the right amount of education.

I can remember one faithful day in the university when I was short of money and food items to survive was pretty hard, and when I called home, I can remember how mom said things are hard and they themselves have little stuff at home, and even if they'll bdingit there's no transport fare, i think dad overheard the conversation and did the thing i least expected, he literally trek down from the house down to where I was, which was at least 30 minutes driving distance.

When he arrived, his clothes were soaked with sweat, and I was like, Did you just trek that long distance just to bring me these food items? He said yes and said he had to do so because he didn't have time and was already owning those around us, so he rested for some minutes and walked back home again through that same distance. I was in awe and amazed, and I felt such love from my dad just so I wouldn't go hungry.

There are several other scenarios I can go on and on about, like that he has gone out of his way or comfort to make sure I'm okay and in good shape, and that's why I'm saying a big thank you to him for his unconditional love toward my siblings and me. I won't trade him for anyone else because he's my hero and knight in shining armor. God bless you real good and happy Father's Day to you.

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Thanks so much for your time, have a lovely day and stay bless.

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All photos are edited on canva

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