MY DIAMOND (2023 Tribute to Chief Kofoworola David Adenuga Oduguwa)

Dear Dad,

It’s never easy to write on this date, the 21st of February, since 2020. But today, I want to express my love and admiration for you in this tribute. It is no longer news that I’m doing all I can to cope with the absence of you but am I really coping well? Well, there are so many things I want to tell you, so many things I wish I could share with you. I’m doing all I can to make you proud, but it’s hard without your presence. Your expressions, your guidance, your love – everything that made you, my dad. I miss it all.

Today, and like everyday, I just want to eulogize you. I want to honor the man you were, the father you were, and the legacy you’ve left behind. Your life was full of accomplishments and achievements, but what stood out most to me was your unwavering commitment to your family.

Your love for education and your constant encouragements to be the best in our chosen fields has been a guiding light in my life. Without your push and resilience, I wouldn’t be where I am today. You were God-sent, and you delivered on your purpose. There are many accolades I could list concerning that, but I’ll keep it simple and clear. I owe my success to you, and I’m forever grateful to God for giving me you.

Your love for family was something that always amazed me- totally unparalleled. You never got angry quickly, and you always tried to sort things out before things got out of hand. Your forgiving spirit was something that I’ve always admired, and it’s something that I strive to emulate in my own life. Your way of loving was inspiring, and it rubbed off on all of us. You’re amazing!

Your wisdom was exceptional. As a father, friend, and mentor, you always knew just what to say. I’ve met many fathers in my life, but amongst them all, you had to be the one for me. I celebrate you for being mine.

You took a personal interest in me, and I always felt that you had my back. Being your child has been an honor and a privilege. You make being your child (since as long as I can remember) pleasing, passionate, honorable, inspiring, convenient even in life’s discomforts, and altogether worth it. You made life’s discomforts more bearable and found ways to even make them fun to conquer. I’ve learned so much from you, and your passion towards us is something that I’ll forever cherish.

Your style of teaching was one-of-a-kind. It is worth emulating, and your discipline strategies produced wonderful results. You helped me believe in myself more than I ever thought possible.

Your smile was something that I’ll always remember-contagious. It was the one that probably caught Mum’s eye towards you, and it was beautiful. Your smile always seemed to pass the right messages, and it had a way of making everything seem better. Your eyes were another thing that I loved, and I waited until I met a man that had that same kind of eyes and guess what? I married him! Your impact on me was that significant.

Your fighting spirit and ability to make things happen was another unique thing that I admired. I remember the days you would ask me what I wanted to become in the future. I remember how we would discuss it as the great counselor you were. You were never judgmental or controlling, but you were always willing to guide and help me. You remarkably injected the force of “I can do it” in me and it was easy for me to believe more in myself from then onwards.

Dad, you were a legendary being, and I’m grateful for everything you taught me. I could go on and on about the amazing fatherly attributes you possessed, but words can’t capture the depth of my feelings. When I’m ready to publish my book on you, the world will learn about the legendary being you were. I hope all fathers and men learn from you too. You were my hero, role model, and best friend. I’ll continue to make you proud, and I’ll always honor your legacy.

Lest I forget, how do you do?

Love from your favorite tiny Veterinarian,

Adebankemo.