15/06/2026
15th June, 2026
Dear Dad,
I started this letter three times. The first two I tore because the words felt too small. How do you thank a man who gave you his entire life without ever asking for anything back?
Happy birthday.
Thank you. For the mornings you woke up before everyone to go to work. For the nights you came home tired but still asked if I had eaten. For the times you corrected me when I was wrong, even when it was hard for both of us.
I’m older now, and I finally understand the things I didn’t see as a child. I understand why you were quiet some nights. It wasn’t because you were angry. It was because you were carrying the weight of all of us on your shoulders. I understand why you said “no” to things I wanted. You were saying “yes” to a future for me that I couldn’t see yet.
I remember your hands. They were rough from work, but they were the safest place I knew. When I was sick, scared, or just sad, your hands were there. You never said “I love you” every day, but Dad, you showed it every single day. In the school fees that were paid on time. In the way you waited up when I came home late. In the way you still call just to ask, “Have you eaten?”
It hurts me to think of the dreams you probably put aside so I could chase mine. It hurts me to think of the times you went without, so I wouldn’t have to. I don’t know if I can ever repay you. I just hope that when you look at me, you see that your sacrifice was not wasted.
So today, I am not just wishing you a happy birthday. I am begging God to give you back all the years you gave to us. I pray He gives you health in your body, peace in your heart, and calm in your mind. I pra.y He takes away every silent worry you’ve been carrying. I pray you live long, Dad. Long enough to sit back, with nothing to bother u I really love u
