I owe it to my dad, the man I am today, the childhood I had, the education I received, the home he nurtured and held together and most importantly, for introducing me to the God he served.

If he were alive today, I’d thank him for believing in me when I had little faith in myself, for nudging me on when I saw a dead end, for the math coaching in my primary and even secondary school days when he saw I was weak at it, for the soccer games he played with and watched with me, for teaching me to play draughts and the many nights we played together alongside my brother. I’d thank him for his faith, for it was by his newly found faith in the healing power of Jesus, that I was completely healed of a chronic case of asthma as a 5 year old. I’d thank him for his steadfastness in praying for and with me at times when I was consumed and weighed down by the storms of life. I’d thank him for his parting gift to me when he left the shores of SA. I knelt before him tears as he prayed with me, handing over his treasured study Bible and said to me, “I want you to have this”. Stunned I was, I told him but this is your study Bible. He continued, “Inside it, you will find everything you need”. I sobbed even more. Watching him check-in his luggage and then saying our goodbyes with mum by his side, I took a long look at him again. I had a strange premonition it may just be the last time I did.

I will also thank him for his heart for worship and the songs he wrote. His songs were so full of life and Bible based. One of his songs, became our family anthem growing up and i share below, sung at the Wake Keeping service in his memory 6 years ago. The tune was adapted from the song, My Way by Frank Sinatra and it has been a constant reminder of my identity in Christ.

In ending this series of posts, I wish to thank everyone who has shared in this memories with me. Thank you for reading, for liking and for your comments. Many things still unwritten and better left for another medium, perhaps a book? I do hope this posts have helped someone reading this determine in their heart to lead a purpose driven life and to be deliberate in building a legacy that lasts eternity. I close with the words of his song:

Almighty God, who dwells in the Most High

With songs of Praise, I’ll approach your gates

For through Jesus, I am no more alien to you

But Prince, a princely Prince in your Son’s Kingdom

Chorus

Praises, Adoration

Glory and Power be unto you

For you are the Mighty God

The everlasting father

Receive in Jesus name

My offerings of Praise.