I recall.... Da

I can not allow today, father's day, to pass by without penning down these lessons I recall from my late father, Mr Kojo Peter Siaw Nyarko. Its nearly three years since you passed on into eternal glory, your memories still fill our minds and the tears of your depature fills our eyes.

I recall, Da, when you came home from your business and church meetings in the evening, the first thing you shout out with a smile as you enter the front door, is "O maame wo hene" [where is your mother]. I remember how you would announce your arrival first to mum. Da,you showed me that the man must cherish the mother of the home. You showed that the sanctity of the institution of marriage must be upheld even to the end.

I recall, Da, how you committed yourself to the service of God through the Church. I remember the lengthy times you spent on committee meetings, communion rounds, visitation of the elderly and service to our priests. I remember how you did these with joy all the time though they were no mean tasks. You served the church community as a leader in countless ways bringing smiles to all and sundry through your wisdom,patience, tact and your down to earth mannerisms. Da,you showed me that my service to the church must be born from a personal walk with the Lord Himself. You showed me that my love for the Lord must translate to service to His body.

I recall, Da, how you will treat us all to some take out food when you can. You did your best to spend time with us. You provided for us and indeed, we lacked nothing. You showed me that the father must do his best to meet the needs of his family. You worked hard to give us with the things you never had the chance to have yourself. You thought and looked out for our good. Your wise counsel was always there for us and your gentle yet firm rebukes directed our steps and actions. You showed me that a father can be firm yet flexible.

I recall, Da, your gentleness. The calmness with which you handled issues always resonates in my mind. I remember so vividly a day when the keys tothe office went missing. I remember how gently handled the situation and brought calm to a  panicking group of employees. Da, I remember how on that faithful sunday night as we dropped off one of your workers at home we got enveloped in a rain storm and much to our surprise, the windscreen wipers stopped working. I remember how you calmed my nerves and braved the situation by sticking your head out of the window, cleaning the screen periodically while driving us safely home. You told me to remember the teaching of that sunday, that Jesus was always with us. Da, I know you were always calm because of this. You showed me the value of gentleness. The value of calmness, grounded in Christ.

Da, today I recall. Not with tears but with a smile on my face for the legacy you have left behind. Indeed you have done your part, its time for us to do ours.

Rest in Peace Da.