Authentically Adele

Today marks two years since you passed away, Dad, but it feels like a lifetime.

Strangely, today did not hurt as much as the days leading up to it. Night after night, I dreamed of you. Things would happen, and I would find myself thinking, What would Dad say about this? I think my heart and mind were quietly preparing—anticipating the weight of the anniversary. The ache came early; I just missed you extra in the days before.
You know what I’ve been thinking about lately?

I miss your voice. So much. I miss our deep conversations—especially those precious times we’d dive into the Word together, sharing scripture, breaking it down, and letting it speak to us. I miss your wisdom. Your advice. I just miss hearing you. I even miss your calls at odd hours at night! There’s so much I wish I could tell you.

Guess what, Dad?
I’m writing my second novel.
I passed my course.
I got a job.

Guess what, Dad?
Your other daughters are giving it their all, too. Life hasn’t been easy, but they’re showing up with courage. You would be so proud of how far they have come and what they have managed to accomplish in these last two years! Love is finding its way back in, and hearts are healing. They are building their homes with love and strength and care. I see them work hard and not give up!

Guess what, Dad?
Your grandchildren have grown so much since you last saw them. They are doing so well in school, trying new things, becoming braver by the day. Each child’s personality is shining. You would laugh at the moments we have caught on camera!   I see a bit of you in each grandchild, some have questionable fashion, weird eating habits, memorising scripture , singing at the top of their voices with confidence yet wrong key- just like you!

Guess what, Dad?
Your sons are truly amazing! They have pushed themselves harder in these last two years and are still going strong! You would be so proud of them. They have sacrificed, given of themselves, studying and doing whatever it takes to not just provide for their families but also walk closely with the Lord. They remind me so much of you; I recall how you worked hard, trying project after project to provide for us- without any help, support or benefits. We never lacked, and I know that is because God’s hand was upon the work of your own hands!

Guess what, Dad?
Mum is doing so well. She’s still the woman of strength you always knew. Still serving in ministry, pouring into people’s lives, even from afar. Grief tried to but did not dim her light— Each day she presses forward, faithfully, walking closely with Jesus Christ. Daily, she encourages us to stay close to the Lord, to love the Lord our God and to put Him first in our lives! She has not stopped being the loving mother to all who know her! You would be so proud of her!

Guess what, Dad?
I’m not the only one who has so much to update you on. You should see everything your friends, sons and daughters, family members and church have done in these last two years! Life has not been easy at all. The world we are living in seems more complicated, heavier, and more uncertain. Everyone is facing battles—some silent, some loud—but all real. However, guess what? They’re still showing up, still pressing on, still running their race.

I look forward to seeing the hope and the future that the Lord has lovingly prepared for each one of them! I am excited to see many find their place and fulfil their divine destiny. Because the fact that they are still alive today is God’s way of showing them, He still has a plan and purpose for them, they still have their race to run!

It’s hard to believe that you finished your race! You ran it well. I will always love you, Daddy! If I could say one thing to you today, it would be this:

Guess what, Daddy?
Your legacy lives on—in many of us today.