It's been fourteen years since you left but every time I watch people lay down their loved ones to the grave, I get so emotional more than the bereaved family and shed hot tears, because it always seems like I am watching them lay you down once again.
You left me, you left so suddenly, and never said goodbye, I watched your lifeless body being laid to the grave months after you left the house to work promising me you were going to buy my school bag and other school essentials. Every single day, when I watch others in the coffin, the trauma looks so fresh like it was yesterday.
You left me to face the hard world alone, and it's not been easy facing the world alone, you left me with a responsibility to cater to at a tender and even though I was still young, I made sure to do my best because I knew you would be rooting for me wherever you are and will always encourage me like you always do when you were alive.
It's been fourteen years without you, it's been fourteen years struggling this life without your guidance and encouragement, it's been fourteen years of standing in the gap, it's been fourteen years of being a covering in your absence and it has not been easy but I keep pushing.
I finished my Senior Secondary School like you wanted, wrote both exams (WEAC and NECO) against all odds and I am currently doing my degree program even though it is not when and how we had both planned it but I am proud of myself and glad that you are my father, and I would always be recognized as your daughter.
After fourteen years, I still shed tears when I remember you, I still get emotional when I watch people lay down their loved ones like I did fourteen years ago, and I still shed tears when I think about your promises to me and how you didn't live to fulfill those promises you made to me.
I still get emotional because you left me without a proper goodbye, still shed tears after fourteen years because I miss you and the memories we both shared seem to be fading away.
I always will imprint you in my heart.
