Thread by @greaterbayo

“Daddy, Why Did You Come Late?”

Around this period 36 years ago, my father drove me to Federal Government College, Idoani to resume my secondary education. Today, I had the privilege of doing the same to my daughter.

Last week, I had taken her to school for a 2-day orientation programme. Today, she resumed formally at the Big School.

I had shown her how to knot a tie last week and I repeated the same this morning as we got ready for school.

Last night, we spent time praying in her room as we thanked God for granting us this grace. I am so glad to be alive to witness this. One would think I was the one resuming school with the enthusiasm I woke her this morning to get ready.

I had taken time to write her name on all her school texts and note books. I recall how my parents inscribed my name on all my items too.

I had my name imprinted on the collar of all my shirts, my metal bucket, my leather bag (the leather bag looked more like carton- I don’t see them around anymore 😂), my coal iron, cutleries and bedsheets. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

I waited until she registered her name and followed her to her new class. I met her class teacher, ensured she sat down and asked her to blow me a kiss.

My daughter looked at me with a stern face and said, “Daddy, go away”. Me? I shook my head in astonishment at this baby now forming big girl. She can’t blow Daddy a kiss again because of her new classmates😂

In our home, it’s our understanding for me to do the school run on the first day of term. It’s a way for me to bond, get to know her teachers and her class. I’m not available most times so I take the first day of school runs very seriously.

So I told her mum I would pick her up from school. Work was quite hectic and I didn’t know when it was a few minutes to 4pm. School closes at 4pm. Checking google map, I would be lucky to make the school in an hour. I was on a virtual meeting.

I transferred the meeting from my laptop to my iPad and rushed into my car. How could I be late to pick up my daughter on the first day of school? As I navigated Lagos traffic, I participated on the virtual call. Is this how women multitask? Women are truly super beings!

I got to her school well after 5pm. As I parked, my phone rang. It was my wife. The class teacher had called her. My daughter gave the class teacher my wife’s number. Maybe Daddy had forgotten her in school.

I told my wife I was right in front of her school. I rushed inside and saw my daughter where she sat. She gave me a stern look and asked, “Daddy, why did you come late?”

On my way home, I was very delighted. Satisfied. Knowing that I am creating a memorable experience for all of us. Just like I remember the day my father took me to school, I hope my daughter will never forget today also.

May the Lord keep all our children as they start this new school term in Jesus Name.

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