Fathers and daughters never say goodbye

‘Hello Daddy!’ The voice on the other end of the phone said. He said hello back and asked who it was.
‘It’s Stephie’ she replied.
‘Hello mama,’ the father lovingly answered back. ‘How are you doing my princess?’
I smiled and went back to my work. I tried very hard not to eavesdrop although it was hard since I was sharing a car with the father, a colleague of mine.

In my parenting journey, I have chanced on many incredible fathers; men who would do anything and everything for their children; men who provide much more than school fees and a roof over their children; men who are experts at changing diapers; men who have spent sleepless nights because the child is running a fever; men who know their little girl’s favourite colour!

Although a father is a father any day, there is something incredibly special about fathers and their daughters. Is there a daddy whose heart does not melt towards his little girl? Is there one who would say no to her breathtaking smile? Do little girls ever grow old in their father’s eyes? Many call her ‘mama’ while others call her ‘baby girl’
For many this special bond knows no tribe, religious affiliation or language.

Recently, I received a special song sent to me by a man who assumed the role of father and mentor to me. I listened to the beautiful song whose main line was ‘Fathers and daughters never say goodbye!’ The song made me cry!

A beautiful and heartwarming tribute. Every girl needs a daddy! Biological and or otherwise.
In the last year I have deeply pondered and tried to understand the the love of a father.
It is complex because there’s no experience on my part. There is something an absent parent does to a child although ancient wisdom teaches any child never to judge the parent.

Father’s Day is tomorrow. By it we celebrate the fathers in our lives; the present fathers, the departed fathers, the biological fathers, the fathers by association and even the fathers away without official leave...

Then there’s God the Father! Scriptures teach us that if our earthly fathers, evil as they are, know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more our heavenly father!?

To every father, I send my warmest greetings and sincere appreciation.
For the selflessness with which you fend for your offsprings, may your labours be counted as blessings now and in years to come. May your smiles be real, deep and wide. May your hard work pay off handsomely Happy Father’s Day in advance.

[email protected]