By A FATHER’S NOTE TO HIS DAUGHTER ON HER THIRD BIRTHDAY
Miss Rahman Muceenah Itanife,
Today you celebrate your 3rd birthday. I cannot believe how fast these last three years have gone. You have brought so much joy into our home, but more especially, into my heart. You are my daughter whom I waited so long for, my daughter whom I love so fiercely. My wish for you today is that you will always be as juvenile, as playful, as loving, as giving and as caring as you are right now. A little girl, with a heart and mind wise beyond your years. You are so perceptive, you know exactly when I’m troubled or angry. And amazingly, you always know just what to say to make me smile. Thank you for letting your light shine wherever you go, you endear people to you in a way that just amazes me. You are the apple of my eyes. One day I hope you will realize the importance and the greatness that your little life plays in mine. For without you, I don’t think I would have been me. I love everything about you. I thank God that He made you for me, and I promise to always do my best for you.
You were so excited this morning! You kept showing us how old you were on your fingers – THREE YEARS OLD! So here’s to you my darling, May God be the center of your life, as you are the center of mine. I want to cherish every day with you, before I have to share you with another man! And even though we fight and we both can’t stand to look at each other sometimes, know that my love for you far supersedes the threats and the smacks I sometimes have to administer.
When I think back over the past years, I would say the biggest change has been your communication. While you are only three, I feel like I’m talking to an adult most days. Your vocabulary blows me out of the water. You are talking from the minute you wake up until the minute you fall asleep. You can easily express what you like, what you want and how you feel. You love to learn about things around you by asking a lot of questions. You can sing your ABC’s and can count to 50.You also love to color and assist your mum in the kitchen. Your mummy and daddy think you’ll be a Medical Doctor when you grow up because you love putting things together and find creative ways for doing things.
You are a pretty cautious girl and it does take you a bit to warm up in new environments. Once you’re comfortable, you make friends with everyone around. You love people and being around friends. You love to be active and to be outdoors.
You really are my best friend. Often times I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to hear “daddy, I missed you!” I love to hear about your night, your dreams and what you want to do that day. On the mornings you’re in school, my favorite part of the day is picking you up. You run into my arms, saying “dad you’re back” and then we talk all about your three hours away. You’ll look at me throughout the day and say,” I love you daddy.” I respond with “I love you sweet girl.” To that, you say” I love you most.
Read also: A Letter To My Partner – Barr. Saidat Olalemi Rahman (Esq) On Her Birthday
To my lovely wife (Rahman Saidat Olayemi), I love you more than words can express. You drive me to be a better person for myself and for you. Thank you for being the most amazing woman in the world .I don’t deserve you but I am glad we have one another .I couldn’t ask for more in a wife. You’re a dream come true and a blessing from above.
I love you so much. To the moon and back, always and forever.
To my sister (Ameenat) and nephew (Akeem), the success story of my daughter will be incomplete without mentioning you, thanks for assisting her with her assignments and taking care of her in our absence. Thank you and God bless you.
Yours ever,
Rahman Idris Olamilekan.
(Daddy)
