By Adenike Anifowose
Dedicated to Jimoh Anny
The strength, unwavering love, support and endless sacrifice of a remarkable man – Father is being celebrated on the occasion of Father’s Day.
A good Father is not the kind of man that will need an applause or recognition for what he does for the Children. He didn’t put the stress on his face for everyone to see but behind every house rent, every meal on the table, every school fee, and other expenses, he was standing tall doing longer hours at work to meet up with the bills and other demands.
He set aside his own dreams for the children to achieve their own.
The spirit of hard work was imbibed from Father. He taught the meaning of hard work with great examples. He comes back each day with sore hands and tired faces but he never let this discourage him from asking how the day went or fixing whatever got spoilt in the house.
There are times we do not understand why he denied himself some life luxuries or why he wears same old clothes for years but as we grew up, we began to realise that his no-no to himself was because of a yes-yes for us.
He was our silent fan, our first protector and a great foundation. Though we didn’t hear him say the words but we know he deeply loved us.
On this occasion, we don’t just celebrate a Father, we honour a man who carried the weight of a family with quiet dignity. A man who gave everything he had, so we could have a better life.
Thank you, Fathers, for your sacrifices, your strength, and and your love. You are the reason we stand tall today. And as we celebrate you this Father’s Day, know that everything we are, and everything we hope to be, is a reflection of you.
Happy Father’s Day to all men out there.
(I met Adenike through Sanctury Runners on the weekly 5k Park Run. She lives in Buncrana, County Donegal.)
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