by Akin Akinyeye
(London, United Kingdom)
TRIBUTE TO A FATHER INDEED - "BABA TEACHER"
Little did I know that a true father has to be firm, principled, disciplined, truthful and hard on his children until now that I am reaping the fruits of all the good and necessary qualities of a good and true father that Francis Moronkeji Akinyeye possessed during his lifetime. We thought you were too harsh on us then, whenever we dressed up to go and play and enjoy the festive period and you will suddenly say "we are going to the farm" and we will work there until dusk. But now we understand you were grooming us to be hardworking and self disciplined. Francis Moronkeji Akinyeye, mostly called as "FM" by your friends and colleagues, "Baba Teacher" by our neighbors, a great disciplinarian to the core whose principles and integrity are outstanding. No wonder, anywhere you find yourself as a member of social club or organization, you always serve as either Financial Secretary or Treasurer and they never let you off. What an exemplary life you lived and the legacy you left behind! I am indeed indebted to you for your fatherly care, moral upbringing, sacrifices and most especially worthy principles of life you imparted on us. I could not thank you enough but I believe God will be pleased with you the way you carried out His assignments on us and reward you abundantly. DAD, let me use the poem below to express my gratitude to you.
"As look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us."
Good night, Dad. Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Lord, Jesus Christ.
Your Son,
Akintoye