Pure Joy in Human Form! BN Reader, Sanmi Writes a Beautiful Ode to His Daughter on Her 1st Birthday

At BellaNaija, it gives us immense pleasure when our readers send us stories like the one we’re sharing now. It is even more delightful when it’s one of our male readers openly expressing their emotions without any form of hesitation.

As we share Sanmi Abiodun‘s beautiful letter to his daughter, Audrey, we hope that it brings a smile to your face. We hope that you feel something positive and then go on to pay it forward – because life is too short not to count our blessings.
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God speaks everyday, but he has only spoken to me clearly in English language twice.
The first was eleven years ago halfway through a marathon religious exercise. The second time was July 2015 when we were expecting a baby. I had researched for two weeks without success to find a name for the baby and I had given up. My wife on the other hand had come up with a beautiful name “Oluwatoni”. Three weeks after I stopped trying, I woke up from sleep with a start and I heard God (yes, the Almighty GOD) mention a name I knew nothing about.
Audrey.

I jumped up and started research on the name and everything I found made me cry with joy. I was convinced for the second time in my life that God knew me personally and He paid special attention to the person He was bringing to the world through me.

So, Audrey,
It’s been one year since you made your grand entrance and I have a few things to say to you: It’s a beautiful world here, but not half as beautiful as you. I’ve watched you, rocked you, hugged you, loved you, adored you. And though I pray not to guide you for the rest of your life, I promise to be there for the rest of mine.

I promise to clean your mess and watch your steps. I promise not to miss when danger is approaching. I’ll teach you scriptures so your spirit is nurtured. I’ll feed you, lead you, read you, heed you, breathe you, bleed you, weed you. And I’ll need you never to forget that whatever you need, I’ve got your back.

From diapers to pads, from school fees to flight tickets, whatever you need, I’ve got your back.
From knapsacks to clothes, from car keys to boyfriends, whatever you need, I’ve got your back.

You can call me daddy, because I’ve been around on the ground. I’ve gathered some laurels but I will rather you excel. You’re here to be inspired, desired, re-fired, perspire, whatever you require, I don’t plan to retire till high you are and my eye is dim. Dom Toretto said in the movie, Fast and Furious, the most important people in the world will always be the people in this room right now.

So my first charge to you; find the room, find the team, lock them in your heart and race from the start. Be Fast and Focused. And even if you lose your Walker on the way, don’t stop at Seven, you have to get to heaven.

The earth is spherical, but you should be straight. The world may be cruel but loyalty is key.
Girls may talk a lot but they’re also worth a lot. Boys may act like hulk but they also get to sulk. Dad may get to falter but you never have to wonder if God is like dad ‘cause dad is God’s image but God doesn’t fail.
I promise, with money in my hands and love in my heart, to give you everything. So remember to love completely, play periodically, exercise sporadically, give unconditionally. Remember to lend a hand or help a man, share a coke, you wouldn’t get broke.

And just in case you forget everything I’ve said, don’t forget this. I thought of you before choosing your mother, so if ever you get to doubt if dad loves you, just remember I took my time to find you the very best mother in the world.
We love you.

The Sanmi Abiodun