At lunchtime, I noticed that Agbenu came down from her room looking stressed after spending all morning taking out her hair. After lunch, I asked her to come down so I could assist her. She gladly accepted.

As we loosened her hair, we discussed music as they played in the background and other stuff. From time to time, she felt her hair to assess how much was still left. I kept reassuring her that we were making good progress. Eventually, when we were through, she was ecstatic with excitement.

Agbenu: “I didn’t think you could when you said you wanted to help me. I’m so glad that you did. Thanks, dad!”

Me: “You’re welcome, Mama. I’m glad to help. I used to assist Mom with retouching her hair when she did it back in the day. That was a part of how we spent time together, like you and I just did.”

Agbenu: “Oh wow! That’s so sweet.”

I perceive her appreciation and sigh of relief to mean an expression of her refilled love tank through my spending quality time with her and performing this act of service. That’s what happens whenever I “go there with her.” “There” means her need of the moment.

What about my sons, one may ask.

John was watching us while doing the dishes in the kitchen. He came around and took this picture of Agbenu and me. “I like what I see,” he said. A few words were spoken but packed with insights from what he saw.

Ofu was busy chanting “Diary of Fatherhood, Diary of Fatherhood,” clapping and dancing. He had to enjoy what he saw to be cheering for it.

So to answer the question, “what about my sons?” I’d say they were being trained on how to serve their wives and daughters.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

• 8/19/22