To My Super-Dad
The thought that you are at home was ever a comfort, Dad! I wish you were still at home, Dad, to call and speak to me your usual way. Oh! What pain it feels each moment I think of your departure to the world beyond since your demise. Oh, what a pain of being fatherless! Tears rolled off my face as I penned this down, though, not as someone without hope, but for our shared good memories. Amid this pain, I have the greatest joy, the joy of answered prayers, the joy that you saw and found the Saviour before death. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Glory to Jesus for a well-spent life, Dad; the strive is over, and victory is won.
Dad, your memory is sweet. You were so loving and caring. You were an example of humility and contentment. You believed in hard work, and you taught us the same. Your passion for education was reflected in the qualitative education you gave me and my siblings. I remembered the sacrifice you made at retirement to sell your first brand new car to start your business, all to ensure none dropped out of school due to the non-certainty of pensioners’ remuneration, and the wise counsel you gave put every child on their toes. You charged us to face our studies and specifically said that education is the inheritance you must provide us with. Dad, thank you for being there in thick and thin.
You were very considerate, Dad. You never burdened anyone, you would always appreciate whatever gifts you received, no matter how minute it might be, and you inculcated the same into us. It is an aberration for anyone not to return any act of gesture received with words of appreciation on the day of reception and the day/days after. You taught me good morals and brought me and my siblings up to be God-fearing. You are a candle that lit many other candles. My Dad held so much intrinsic value for relationships; he was a friend to all. He was never partial; he was focused, a planner, and a disciplinarian. The sharp correction I received from you on savings when I spent all the money you gave me (a new #5 note) for an excursion in Primary Six, I will not forget. You taught me on returning from the pleasure trip not always to spend all I have. The wisdom imbibed from the lesson is with me and very relevant to date. Dad, I missed and will miss your unique way of smiling and loving gestures.
Dad, I will never ever forget all the lessons you taught me. You taught me to always depend on God. You gave me your word, most notably during my choice of partner. The comments have indeed helped me to look up to God. The wise words kept me going and helped me to find joy. You are a sage man, and so were your words. Dad, you will always be in my heart.
I thought you would make the nonagenarian so I could tell the world how you won’t take no for an answer but see that everyone did the right thing. I planned to do a little miming of you. Alas, your time is now! It’s your time, Dad. You have survived so many difficult situations and horrible sickness in the past. Like ‘Kokumo’ and ‘Ikumapayi,’ you had survived them by the grace of God. That you are called home now, I believe it’s your time. God planned it to make you be with him. He got you by all means; what a wonderful God!
I Love you, Dad. Thank you for being my golden Dad.
I will hug you again and again at Jesus’ feet.
Adieu Baba Modupeola!
- Your daughter, Engr. Dr. Grace Modupeola Amusan.