Fatherhood is not a Tribe

Chimnwendum
2 min readJul 11, 2024

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Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth. It is a matter of desire, diligence and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters._ Ezra Taft Benson

Photo by Tembinkosi Sikupela on Unsplash

I have always thought Igbo men are top-tier when it comes to providing for their families. I mean, a regular shmegular Igbo man may not attend antenatal meetings or hospital visits with you, but you won’t have to worry about money to pay for your care.

Real fatherhood means love and commitment and sacrifice and a willingness to share responsibility and not walking away from one’s children._ William Bennett.

Since I started working in a tertiary health institution, I have realized fatherhood, authentic fatherhood is not specific to a tribe. I have seen men of different tongues spend the night with their kids. Without irritation, without frustration, day in, day out, they are in partnership with health care professionals to see how their child can get better.

A child is like an axe, even if it hurts you, you still carry it on your shoulder_ African Proverb.

Today, I am reminded of how amazing my father is. Imperfect but awesome. I am grateful to and for my father. He arises whenever he is called upon. He protects and provides. He listens and loves.

To every awesome father out there, thank you. You create better humans and they, in turn, make the world better.

Thank you. Daalu. Ese. Gracias.

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Chimnwendum
Chimnwendum

Written by Chimnwendum

Sharing lessons from stuff adulthood throws at me.

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