As my consciousness awakened to know and recognize people,
I was introduced to my Father.
He was a man I feared for the most part, a well built man and a giant to me.
He didn't spare the rod, hence I can say I am not a spoilt child.
At a time when many men are playing the role of daddy,
I'm proud to say my daddy was also a father.
Sacrifices to ensure the joy of my future, aplenty.
I mean sacrifices to the detriment of his enjoyment.
You in me, a child who could achieve greatness.
Greatness more than I even think I can achieve.
Many a times, I take your life lessons for torture
Faced by the lures of youthful exuberances, so I stroll astray.
When life bites at me, into your arms I come running
Funny enough, you always receive me with bigger arms every single time.
You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word, though it took a while to accept.
Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.
Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The man I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.
I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
Whatever is good in me today,
I owe to your wisdom, your patience,
your strength, your love.
You taught me by example,
as a role model,
how to be my own person,
how to believe in myself,
instructing me without controlling me.
Even when we disagreed,
you held us together,
so our bond was never broken.
I understand what you did for me,
and I am so grateful that I have you
as my solid foundation, my rock.
I respect you, I admire you, I love you,
my guiding light, my father.
So here's to a man who for 20 odd years has devoted his wisdom,
hard work, wealth and love to me and my siblings.
On this day you celebrate 50 years on earth, I promise to start repaying
every sacrifice you have made on my behalf.
You are indeed a great dad,
Happy Birthday Father.
I love you.
