Mrs

He was not just a father; he was our shield, our comfort, and our greatest source of care. He showed us love in ways we may never have fully understood until now. His love was not just in the big things he did, but in the little things that made us feel safe, protected, and remembered.

I will always remember how he made sure we got to school and returned home safely, always looking out for us in ways only a father could. Back then, those moments seemed ordinary, just another part of having Daddy around. Little did I know that one day, I would look back on those memories and wish with all my heart that I could experience them just one more time.

Even after I got married and started a new chapter of my life, Daddy never stopped being my Daddy. He kept calling to check on me, to know how I was doing and to make sure I was okay. Marriage may have changed my circumstances, but it never changed the little girl I remained in his heart. No matter how grown I became, I was still his daughter, and he never stopped caring for me.

One memory that will forever remain with me is our conversation shortly before his illness. He told me he would come and visit me in Accra. Daddy, I held on to those words, never imagining that life would take such a painful turn. I thought we still had time. Time for that visit, time for more conversations, time for more calls, and time for more of the little moments I now realise were the greatest gifts of all.

Daddy, how do I come to terms with the fact that you will no longer call to check on me? Who will ask how I am doing with the same love and concern that only you could give? How do I accept that the visit you promised me is now a memory I will forever hold in my heart, rather than a moment I will get to experience?

To the world, you were a leader, a man of faith, and a servant of your people. But to me, you were home. You were the voice at the other end of the phone, the reassuring presence that made me feel cared for, and the father whose love followed me even into my own home and marriage.

If only I had known that our last conversations would be among the memories I would treasure most, I would have held on to every word a little longer. If only I had known that your promise to visit me would remain unfulfilled, I would have wished for more time, more calls, and more moments with you.

Daddy, I was not ready to lose you. I was still looking forward to your visit. I was still looking forward to hearing your voice, receiving your calls, and being your daughter in all the little ways I had always known. My heart struggles to accept that the man who spent so much of his life looking out for me is no longer here.

I find comfort in knowing that you are in the hands of Allah, the Most Merciful, even as my heart aches for all the moments we will no longer share. I pray that Allah forgives you, showers you with His mercy, makes your grave spacious and full of light, and grants you the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.

Daddy, thank you for loving me, for caring for me, and for never letting distance or marriage make me feel forgotten. Thank you for every journey to school, every safe return home, every call to check on me, and every little act of love that I may not have appreciated enough at the time.

I would give anything for one more call, one more conversation, one more visit, and one more moment with you.

You may no longer be here for me to hear your voice, Daddy, but I will carry your love with me for the rest of my life.

You were my father, my protector, and my home. And no matter how old I grow or how life changes, I will always be your little girl.

I miss you, Daddy. More than words could ever explain.

Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn.

May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdaus, my beloved Daddy. Āmīn.