The Greatest Gift I ever had came from God; I call him DADA!
A year today, June 13th 2017 at about 1:15am, I lost someone I never thought I would ever lose. I immortalized this gentleman so much that I prayed I would grow up to be just like him. He was a man of vision and had a heart of GOLD. Giving to the less privileged and blessing others were the words on the lips of all at his funeral.
I lost my father, Joseph K Hedidor, a year today.
It’s hard to hold down these tears; I’ve to wipe them off before my boss walks in and sees the emotional me.
Losing my father has been the one difficult thing I have ever had to go through. I had a bond with my dad and I don’t believe I’d ever have with anyone. The loss of a father can bring about not only feelings of loss and grief, but also fear.
From the part of the world that I come from, father’s are generally seen as protectors and are revered so losing them affects our feeling of safety. Overall though the strongest emotion will be grief.
What made his loss so traumatic was he passed a few hours to his birthday and fathers day was that same week, the coming Sunday. I had spoken to my elder brother who was by his side on Monday and I knew he was doing well and was scheduled to go the hospital the day after, Tuesday, he didn’t even make his appointment.
It is taxing trying to find the right words to express my sensitivity towards my loss and the pain I have been feeling has been remarkably hard.
Over 10 missed calls from my brother because I was asleep and could hear them. I woke up to see them and return them but no answer. Sent messages that I would be leaving to the office so he should reach me when he can.
Boarded a “trotro” to work at around 5am, YES! I live early for work. And I really remember being on the football gossip page of the BBC following some back page news just then at 5:22am, I got a whatsapp notification form our family page. My other elder brother had sent a message.
Just after I read the message, I started screaming and crying in the “trotro”, I was sobbing. Just then a little boy seated beside by called the attention of his mom and said “Mama shw3 papa ni su” losely translated as Mom look at the man he’s crying. This kid said that and was laughing.
Seriously!
My brother that I follow directly called immediately. My brother, Edem, was crying and I was crying also; he says to me Junior stop crying, please stop crying. God knows best. Then I asked him; why should I stop crying when you’re also crying. It’s sounds funny remembering now.
Tomorrow is my dad’s birthday and he will turn 67.
Happy Birthday Dad, you unconditional love and support is what keep me going in life. This is just to let you know that you mean world to me. Whatever I am today, whatever I have achieved today, it’s all because of you, dad! On your birthday, I just want to thank you for always listening, understanding and making yourself available all the time.
Smile in Heaven Dada! You’re still here with us.
Happy birthday and Happy Fathers Day!
Maxwell Kwesi Hedidor Jr.
Don't rmbr crying a year ago, but your reading your write-up this morning has indeed brought tears to my eyes. But it's definitely well. Fare thee well, rest in peace, happy birthday and happy Father's Day. Thx Max, great words.
All is well Max, all is well!