Oche: “Dad, my friend…(name withheld) told me about his new cool Wii game, and said he thinks I should get it too. I told him that we already have one, although it’s not the newest version so I don’t need it; and also because my birthday is coming up, and I also want to attend the summer camp which cost a lot of money, and that you and mom are trying to save up some money.” Me: “I’m so very…
Again, behold our daughter, Agbenu aka Mama. She blew our minds again this morning! I was outside taking care of our trash, while Sweetheart was fixing breakfast. She came up to me and said, “Dad, I’m glad you picked mom to be your wife.” I was speechless initially but thanked her for her kind words. When I went back inside and told Sweetheart what Agbenu had told me, she said Agbenu also just told her “Mom, I’m glad you picked…
Ofu, my 5-year old likes homemade pancake, especially on Saturday mornings. He knows that usually; mom does the frying and I assist with the mix. This morning he came to me and asked, “Dad, can we have Nigerian pancake (as we call it in ours) for breakfast?” I said “ok.” He went to mom and said “Daddy said we can have Nigerian pancake for breakfast. Can we?” Mom agreed. Off he went to play excitedly in anticipation while Sweetheart and…
“…A father knows he’s a success when he turns and looks at his son or daughter and know that they turned out better than he did.”… I’m a success; I’m a hell of a success.” Joe Biden, Vice POTUS. That’s exactly how I feel because of my son, Oche. This morning he said to his baby brother, “I’m going to fix your breakfast first then I’ll fix mine.” Then I lavished him with praises for thinking first of his brother….
Have you ever wondered why, as soon as your child is able to speak, knows how to reply with “I love you too (mom or dad)” the first time you tell them “I love you?” They don’t ask to know what love is or ask for the meaning of love. I think it is because love needs no introduction. It is so powerful and influential that it is instantly recognizable and responded to accordingly at the first experience of it….
I wasn’t prepared for this; it was a make or break encounter, but it turned out to be a great learning experience for me and my daughter. Agbenu: “Dad, I have a crush on…” (a male schoolmate) I braced up and let out a smile to encourage her openness. Me: “Ok, Mama…tell me more. So, what’s a crush?” Agbenu: “It’s a fancy word for love.” Me: “So what do you love about him?” Agbenu: “His hair, his clothes. And he’s…
Home alone with my kids earlier on this morning, we came up with a plan of our activities for the day. Soon afterward my daughter tried to sweet-talk me into altering our plan. Agbenu: “Dad, we don’t have to but, please can we eat out at Chick-fil-A instead of to-go? I’d like to play in their play place.” Me: “Ok mama, so how many things did say we have to do today?” Agbenu: “Emm… run your errand to the office;…
In spite of the unimaginable and indescribable Hurricane Harvey that stormed Texas, I see beauty through God’s eyes. I see the American strength that is enshrined her constitutional statement, “We, the people…” Beyond the pain and fear, inspiring and beautiful love stories like this are being written. Americans of diverse backgrounds are pouring out in their droves to assist each other. From traveling across state borders to hours of boat sailing from neighboring cities and regions, came selfless, owner-funded boats…
Agbenu: “Dad, I don’t know why, but I’m just happy! It’s called the joy of the Lord!” Me: “Yes, my dear! And with the joy of the Lord, you don’t have to know why. Just be happy. Have you heard that song?” Agbenu: “Yes, on KSBJ!!!!” Bless you, my daughter! Infect me with your joy! – 9/26/17
With an attention-seeking cry, Ofu reports Oche to me: “Dad, Oche is not being a big brother to me.” Me: “Why?” Ofu: “Because he’s being mean to me.” Me: “Ok, tell him to come and see me.” Ofu: “Ok.” (Runs off and didn’t return) (Oche arrives) Me: “What’s going on?” (In a calm tone) Oche: “We were playing games, then he got stuck. He asked me to help him and I was helping but he kept yelling ‘I want this…