Letter to dad

Dear Dad,

You must have wondered why it has taken so long to write this letter. The truth is, your passing left a deep and crippling dumbness in me, years of sorrow and regret, writing seems to have suffered under those circumstances. But you turn 70 today, and I couldn’t think of anything better than checking-in with you, to give you a bit of an update on things at this end – just like in the good old days. And like in the good old days, everyone is still up to some mischief they’ll rather I don’t say. But I earned myself a reputation and that reputation I must keep.

Before, I spill it all out, I hope the heavens have been kind and that you have been treated like the prince you are?

Mom has truly never recovered from your passing. I am sure she will rather have you teasing and oozing sarcasm than be on her own. You know how you use to tell her ’stop comparing you with an aviation engineer’ I am sure she misses those moments.

Njang is fine, she has two lovely kids. She is an astund christian now, and in her church, no jewelry is allowed. Does that even matter in heaven?

Zoh is okay, got two beautiful kids too and Mbi who you know, is always standing strongly next to her. But it is still her way or the highway as before. She has embarked on a vision to build a business empire – you could think of that as the current highway,- we are praying and waiting.

Embi is doing great, looking far less sickly now. With three kids – two energetic boys in the mix- a hubby who enjoys a good debate on any social issue and a high velocity corporate job, she has found strength. She’s a true corporate hotshot – no surprises there, right?

Zeh is great, he’s made you really proud with his career too. He has a son named after you and jetsets like no ones business. Okay, let me whisper the rest, sssssshhhhhh- gota top model-/ ssshhhhhh -marriage / zzzzzzzz, prayers. Did you get it?

Mr Buh is still good old Mr Buh, Friday nights are super important and Saturday and Sunday are entirely at the mercy of Friday’s fallout. But he is okay. Can you believe he built this entire website mahala? That means free in South African palance. His made a career in IT, – pleasant surprise!

Your last born Chi is in the US now, he gave us a proper headache with his UB graduation photos which came with nothing more. Stroding cockily in the US, he looks like a basketball superstar. Let me find a photo.

Your other favorite daughter Eka is okay, found her passion in nursing and loving it. Unlike the old days, she is a heavy eater now, let’s say she is permanently on a fattening course. You’ll be so pleased.

Oh by the way, Sang is no longer the lazy one. Living in Europe has been a gift, she now juggles two jobs when needed.

As for me, everything is okay. Well, did any titi teller ever tell on herself? Did I ever say anything bad about myself? No! So yes, everyone else is just being mean to me but am good, I have three kids – one bears your name and looks quite like you – a super helpful hunk of a husband I love to fall in love with and a job am passionate about, am not complaining…

And since it has never been my job to tell you all the amazing things your kids have been up to, I wouldn’t try that this time but you must know that collectively your children are doing really well – every good you sowed has returned to us a thousandfold.

There’s lots of career highlights, personal successes but since that really doesn’t matter in heaven let me focus on that which matters. Your children are living an honest life, serving their community, working hard and touching lives.

They are all trying their best to live by the high standards of honesty, generosity, kindness and love which you had set.

So just in case the angels haven’t been treating you like royalty already, please remind them that by their fruits you shall know them. And in the context of heaven that should count. Hope you get all the spoiling we never got the chance to give you in the hands of the Almighty. And I hope that this is only the first of many letters to come.

Stay alive with the angels and know that in all our hearts you live.

Rest in truth,

Happy 70th birthday

Your daughter7

Mbong