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Remembering Dad, Preserving Family History, and Honoring Old Age

It’s hard to believe that 9 years have already passed since your departure. Though we weren’t particularly close, I vividly remember two instances where I saw you at your most vulnerable. The first was when I lost my triplets, and the second was when you walked me down the aisle on my wedding day back in 2013.

There are days when I believe that if you were still alive, we might have eventually understood each other better. We could have met each other halfway, using today’s knowledge and awareness to look beyond your stern countenance and understand your perspective. How were your childhood experiences? With time, I am growing, maturing, and gaining wisdom.

I might have asked what influenced your decision to join the army. Was it aligned with your purpose? Did you find enjoyment in it, or was it a necessary path for gaining something in life? Were you truly happy? Looking back, I realize there are questions I wish I had asked. Perhaps we misjudged you; behind your sternness and lack of emotional display, there may have been more depth. If we had probed further to break down the ‘walls’ around you, who knows? We might have discovered the child within, fostering a deeper connection beyond seeing you solely as the strict dad focused on our education, which we equally valued.

The words of the elders become sweet someday

– Malawian Proverb

Your wife is doing well, and I’ve begun conversations with her. There’s a desire to delve into the history of my older people and pass it on to future generations. By the way, AFCON has started. You would have been watching, coaching, and refereeing from your seat, even though you weren’t a football player.

There are some things in life we’ll never have answers to or fully understand, but I trust in God, knowing He has the best plan. Continue to rest in perfect peace King George.

This revelation has motivated me to make an effort to understand the backstories of everyone, especially older people. Hopefully, it won’t be too late to see their unfulfilled dreams materialise and establish a family system to preserve our family history. It’s an opportunity for the younger generation to enhance these stories and create beautiful family legacies that contribute to a purposeful society.

Let’s begin the conversations today.

Preserving our beautiful African culture and stories begins at the family level. What steps will you take today to make a difference?

Lots of love,

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