Writers 
My heart is broken into little pieces, like a sweet treasure flung against a mighty rock. I feel numb, with no emotions at all. How can I react? What can I say? What should I feel? Should I scream to let whatever is remaining in me out? Please, I need answers.
My dad, my strong daddy, is lying lifeless right now, all alone in the great beyond, without his “baby” I couldn’t even be there to see his face one last time. I wasn’t there to help him when he was in pain and fighting for his life.
The last memory I have of him was two weeks ago. I remember how his eyes lit up when he saw my NYSC camp pictures. I saw the pride on his face, that look he always had whenever I gladdened his heart.
I watched him laugh at all the funny videos from camp. My heart warmed up at that moment, and I reminded myself of all the promises I had made to ensure that his old age would be a very enjoyable one.
Alas! I never knew that would be my last moment with him.
Indeed, life is so fickle. He didn’t even get to wear the beautiful shirt I got him that day.
My dad was very hard and strict, yes, but that was just his way of doing things. He could be so hard and blunt, but that was his own way of showing love.
I remember how hard he was on me and my siblings while growing up. We thought he was doing too much, but myself and my siblings can now attest that his tough ways helped shape us into the people we are today.
Even in his absence, we dare not misbehave. That was how much we respected him.
We were admired by other children back then, not because we were the wealthiest or the most intelligent in the group, but because our behaviour carried the perfect blend of strong values, intelligence, and wisdom — something only a strong father could have instilled in us.
He truly worked on us.
My dad gave up his last kobo countless times to make sure that my siblings and I were comfortable, especially when it came to our academics. He left no stone unturned in giving us the best things he could afford. Sometimes, he even went overboard just to keep us afloat.
My dad truly cared for his children. Everyone close to me knew that I had a doting dad who called to check up on me every day.
I see his name in my daily call log right now, and I can’t help but break down.
So many unspoken words. So many unfulfilled promises. So many wishes and a handful of regrets, especially because I wasn’t there with him during his dying days.
I will surely miss my daddy — a whole lot.
He was all shades of amazing to me, even though he had his own ways of doing things. He made my childhood beautiful, made me self-aware, and taught me to appreciate education and the importance of having good grades from a very tender age.
I remember all the beautiful gifts and the quiet “chicken/fish day” he always made sure we had whenever me or my siblings came top in class.
I need to be strong, especially because I need to fulfil all that he and I discussed.
Till tomorrow, my dad will always be in my heart — not just because he was my dad, but because he carried out his fatherly duties perfectly.
He was indeed a father who can never be forgotten.
Rest well, Daddy. I will always miss you.
Always remember that I love you, and I am proud to have been privileged to be called your daughter.
Rest well, m’pa, till we meet to part no more.