However, while we
celebrated the biological fathers, I felt that we should also reflect on the
wider role that men have to play as fathers to society. You will find that a
father figure is absent in many homes and as such, the women and children in
that home have to look up to someone who is not their biological father.
Sometimes, this could be an uncle or mature family friend who provides that
fatherly oversight and protection for that home.
In many African
settings, that father figure happens to be even younger. You see, when you find
yourself the first born in a family of about 15 siblings, you have no choice
but to man up fast! Often times, you have to fend for your younger siblings,
even when your parents are still alive. So by no choice of your own, you find
yourself already a father, sometimes even before you have your first
girlfriend! You find yourself with huge responsibilities that you gladly
fulfill because of your love for your family.
These kinds of
fathers are often forgotten and it is my prayer that this father's day, we
remember them and honour them as they truly deserve. Those big brothers that
have provided love, care and support for us and showed the way ahead of us.
They deserve kudos because it was never easy to be a big brother! Not at all!
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