Till we see you again daddy...
YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND!
Wow! I didn’t think this day would come for a long time, decades even – my Father passing away. It’s here now and it’s not been easy.
My Dad wasn’t perfect, nobody is, but he was extremely special and always did his best for our family. You loved us and made sure we always had everything we needed. You never did half-measures and were always on my case to ensure that I gave everything my absolute best. You led by example – helping my brother and I to imbibe the principles of diligence, hard-work, honesty and respect for others. I will uphold these principles always.
The memories I was lucky enough to make with you will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that you are in a much better place now, although you’ll be greatly missed here. Every memory that I have of you means so much to me now – from teaching me how to ride a bike, helping to fix / sort things – shoelaces, art assignments, to us watching Arsenal matches and joking about the players. When we go on holidays, you were the only other family member that came with me on the daring rides or events.
I will miss this a lot. I remember the many nights of you driving me back to school – first to Broadstairs and latterly London; and our conversations around music, life and so many other stuffs as part of those journeys. You obviously rubbed off very well on people too, my friends, their parents, including some of their grandparents always mentioned how nice you were and how you always kept a smile on your face.
I am proud of the many beautiful testimonials coming out from friends and family about your life and it’s a privilege to have had you as my father. There are so many things that I was looking forward to doing with you and that I would have wanted your views on. When the time comes for those, I pray for the courage and wisdom to choose right. It will take a lot to get used to life without you cheering me on and being my biggest supporter but I know that you are watching over me, resting in peace and honour with God.
I love you dad and I promise to make you proud always.
Your dearest son,
Toni
TRIBUTE TO AN AMAZING DAD, MY HERO!
Dad – it is still very hard to believe that you are now in heaven and that I will not see you, hear your voice or have you hold my hands firmly again. I will never forget that night, coming into the living room, wondering why we had people in the house and mum telling me you had passed away. I was numb for a few seconds as the news sank in. Then I cried – bitter tears like I’d never cried before. I didn’t know my heart was capable of feeling so much pain and loss. It is very hard but I am finding strength daily to get through.
I am still very young but I will carry you in my heart forever! How can I ever forget you? You always made sure that my school and sports bags were packed for school, my uniform always well ironed at least a week ahead, you checked my glasses was clean, shoes polished and made sure that I didn’t forget anything. You were creative and helped with my homework, those ones that needed drawings or other illustrations.
You recently taught me how to knot my tie myself, after doing it for me for so many years. Did you know you were leaving us soon? Is that why you decided I had to learn to do it myself now? I’ll miss our bike rides, doing the laundry with you, vacuuming the bedrooms and weeding the hedges in front of the house. It will be hard going back to breakfast club. You dropped me every morning and always had a smile for everyone. Thank you so much for making time for me.
Only a week before you passed away, my brother and I were planning to go on a walk with you. Then mum said our lunch was ready and so she went with you instead. I wish we’d gone on that walk together; maybe you would have told me something else to hold on to. I will never forget our last conversation; just a few days before you passed away. It was on my birthday but you were in hospital. You called me and said that “whatever happens, you must always remember that I love you dearly”. I cried that night because your voice sounded rather weak but I am so glad that you called and told me how much you love me. I will carry this memory with me forever!
You taught me to work hard always, to be honest and respectful to everyone. I will miss you praying with me before bedtime, waking me up for school, making my meals when mum is not around, telling me off sometimes and playing games with me. I’ll carry you in my heart when I do my flips on the trampoline as I know you’ll be watching. I’ll study even harder than I’ve ever done as I know how much pride you take in my performance. I promise dad – today and always, to make you very proud.
I LOVE YOU DAD! I REALLY DO!!
Tolu
