A LETTER TO MY LATE FATHER ON HIS 81st BIRTHDAY

Hello ma Guy, Alhadji

Today, March 24th, 2024, marks your 81st birthday, and it's hard to believe it's been exactly 3 years, 10 months, and 16 days since you left us.

As I sit down to write this letter to you, I'm filled with emotions, and my heart aches with longing.

I miss you, Ma guy I miss your guidance, your wisdom, and your loving presence. I miss our conversations, our laughter, and our quiet moments together. I even miss your broken English, which always brought a smile to my face.

As I look back, I realize that there were times when I questioned your actions and decisions. I remember feeling frustrated when you wouldn't explain things to me, when you would remain silent instead. But now, I understand.

Now that I'm older and facing similar challenges, I see that your silence was not indifference, but rather a father's love, wanting to protect me from the complexities and harsh realities of life. Your silence was a lesson, teaching me to trust, to have faith, and to be patient.

Alhadji, I'm sorry for not understanding you better when you were alive. I'm sorry for not being more patient and empathetic.

Whenever I remember the lies, I told you, but you still believed me, and that's a testament to your unwavering love and trust.

If only you were here today, I would celebrate your birthday in a big way. I would sponsor a new marriage for you, just to see you happy and smiling again.

“I know you are saying Eeii ma son ebi you Dey talk this ”

Ma guy, I wish heaven had visiting days, so I could come visit you. I wish I could sit with you, talk to you, and laugh with you again.

As the years go by, the pain of losing you hasn't diminished. A second becomes minutes, hours become days, weeks become months, and now, it's the years that I'm counting. But even in death, your memory lives on in my heart.

I pray that Almighty Allah enlarges your grave, sheds light upon you, and grants you Jannatul Firdaus. As we approach the last week of Ramadan, just like in 2021 when you left us, we celebrate your life and pray for Allah's forgiveness.

We miss you, Dad, but we take comfort in the memories we shared with you. We'll continue to honor your legacy and make you proud.

With love from all of us ;

Anthony,

Shefiu,

Aminu,

Memuna,

Kebiru.

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1Massimiliano Rashid Aminu Kano