From the time I learned to speak I called you by another name, it was never done to disrespect you, it was done because everyone else used that other name.

 

I never called you Daddy, Dad or Father, I never knew if it bothered or agitated you.

 

You never showed it!

 

These days I wondered why. You were a powerful man with a strong constitution. I learn many things about life from you. You had a never give up, get the job done personality. You taught me that the world would be golden if I was willing to work for it.

 

That lives within me!

 

There was times when I was weaken, and I wondered if I was able to live up to that given attitude. But now, I have learned my weakness. My weakness were the children that I loved and cared for. Now I know why you loved your children hard and cared so hard.

 

You just want them to do well in life!

 

Sometimes when I'm called Dad I think of you. You were a Dad too so many. But you were not appreciated for all that you had done in life. But I have now learned, that so many were jealous of me for having you as my Dad, because I grew under your wing. I never understood this and I didn't protect myself from this jealousy. But now I've learned from you again.

 

They just didn't understand that you were their Dad as well. In your heart, they were all your children!

 

"It hurts me that I didn't call you Dad!"

 

But nothing is stopping me now!

 

 

Nin xil qaaday eed qaad.

(which means)

'He who takes responsibility becomes the target of the people.'

 

- African (Somalian) Proverb