A Letter to My Father

Dear Dad,

We don’t choose people who bear us, but having a Dad is one of the best decisions you don’t get to make yourself. Dads are usually viewed just as providers and bill settlers, but it actually takes more. I treasure you dad because you have been everything in raising five girls. You took us shopping, drove us to school when we missed the bus, taught me how to fence, change a light bulb, and how to prepare recipes of meals you enjoy having.

You are a dad who cracks jokes and comforts me on a bad day, which is all I could ever need. The little things I didn’t see as valid are actually more conventional today. Reminds me of your unconditional love, that assurance propels me.

We often shun away from problems and challenges we face because we don’t want you to see us as incapable. You have had and will have bad days, and the amazing thing is that sometimes you share with us exactly how you feel. This reminds me that you are human too and you also experience what I go through, laying out your discernment about life.

I appreciate you because you know me. What I like, what I prefer, you know, and most importantly, you listen. Dad, you are the reason why I breath, you are my incentive for living. My love for you is incomparable. Nawire Rebecca

Dear Dad,

First of all, thank you! Thank you for giving birth to me. Thank you for receiving me in hospital with the broadest smile as you knew this was your last child. Thank you for raising and nurturing me into the woman I am today. Thank you for the time you took from work to come pick me up from school. Thank you for taking me to Sunday School and to the salon there after when mum was held up with work. Thank you for sitting with me as I did my homework even when you were halfway asleep from work exhaustion. Thank you waking up at night when I wasn’t well well to check up on me and even rush me to hospital.

Mr Thamu, you are as hilarious and funny as they come. I look forward to coming home over the weekend just to laugh with you and go for nyama choma outings. Your sarcastic nature and how you hold your family close to you, is something I cannot trade for any other thing in this world.

You, my dad, are my hero. You have worked tirelessly to ensure we all got a good and decent education. You have seen me through times where I knew that I had failed you. Not only were you a disciplinarian, but you were also someone who I sought and still seek counsel from. What I admire about you is that even now as you are becoming older, you still seek for my opinion before making decisions. You are a humble man. You are a man full of grace. I love you; I cherish you and I adore you. I thank the heavens for choosing you to be my dad (or is it choosing me to be your daughter). May God grant you a long healthy life to even see your great grandkids.

Happy Father’s Day, Baba Melody! Melody Thamu-

Today, I want to give a big shout out to the one who has made all the difference!

Dear Dad, you have been incredible in all our interactions, basically my whole life. I stay happy almost all the time because you’ve constantly told me I am a ?happy soul. You're not just my dad, you're my ultimate source of inspiration. Your belief in me and your unconditional love have been game-changers. Wewe ni Mzee wa Nguvu!

You've always been my biggest cheerleader, reminding me of the joy I bring wherever I go. You've given me the confidence to be unapologetically myself and embrace the happiness that naturally flows through my veins. Thanks to your unwavering support, I've been able to radiate that joy in every aspect of my life. You're the true happiness guru!

But wait, there's more! Your encouragement to chase my dreams has been priceless. You've injected me with a powerful belief that I can conquer anything I set my mind to. Thanks to you, Dad, I fearlessly chase my aspirations and work hard to turn them into reality.

Your love, guidance, and unshakeable belief in me have shaped the person I am today. You've taught me the art of resilience, the power of determination, and the beauty of compassion. Your words of wisdom have been my secret weapon during tough times, giving me the strength to conquer whatever comes my way. You're my personal superhero!

I want to give a thunderous applause to the incredible father that you are. I am truly blessed to call you my dad. So, Happy Father's Day, Dad! May this day be filled with a super-sized dose of love, joy, and all the happiness you absolutely deserve.

With all my love and an enthusiastic high-five,

Annet K’ogai

Dear Dad,

I lost you at the tender age of 14 years but memories of you are still very deeply etched in my heart. You were the tall good looking, dark and handsome, loving, very stylish and fun loving man I was born to and got to call daddy. You were the epitome of brains, intelligence and a panache for life.

Jotting this note has made me dig into the deepest part of my heart and reminded me that no matter the decades you have been gone, a girl can never really get over the loss of the first man in their life.

Thanks for the beautiful memories that still keep me going when I dare to dig into that part of my soul. My only deepest wish, is that my children got to meet you and experience you as a grandfather. ………..Maybe someday in the life to come.

In the meantime Rest In Peace “Paka kali.”??Till we meet again.

Happy Father’s Day Mr. Katago.

Charity Katago, MPRSK