Today is my dad’s birthday.
I take a moment to honour him,
to hold close the things I love most.
He was gentle, slow to speak,
but when he spoke, every word was right.
I remember that semester, I didn’t measure up,
terrified to show him my results.
He said, “Ayodele, you will do better next year.”
And in that calm, quiet way, he carried me forward.
He loved me deeply.
Once, when I was sad,
I saw the ache reflected in his eyes,
as if he could take my sorrow into his own hands
and shield me from it.
He stood with me, fully, tenderly,
an unwavering presence.
He hardly missed a visiting day
throughout my boarding school years.
He made sure to be there
Even coming days earlier if he had to.
He was affirming, always.
Not waiting for perfection,
but celebrating the small victories.
“I love how you are raising Oliver. Where did you learn all this?”
And I said, “You taught me everything.”
He was a lecturer,
and he found joy in guiding me.
Assignments, projects, and proposals
We did them all together.
Even now, I remember writing my first research paper without him,
feeling the weight of his quiet presence beside me.
He loved God with intention,
praying late into the night,
living a faith that shaped everything.
And now, that is me too.
No matter what I face, God always comes first.
I have missed him every day,
but today, I miss him most.
I love you, Dad.
Happy Birthday 🎉 🥳