My Dad was my ultimate hero. From a young age, he was much more than a parent—he was my inspiration in life. After years of struggling to conceive, my parents were overjoyed when I was brought into this world.

      Growing up, Dad became my favourite person. Our bond grew stronger with each passing day and I was always intrigued by the stories he always narrated about his childhood struggles. In our small town, Dad was more than just a parent; he was a beacon of motivation for everyone around him. His wisdom and kindness drew people in, making him a figure of admiration in our tight-knit community. Dad wasn't perfect but he was someone I strongly respected. 

     Dad was my motivator and he always encouraged me to keep going no matter the circumstances life threw at me. 

      There were times we had to go through financial hardships and some nights, I'd find Dad sitting all by himself, lost in thought but he never gave up and remained determined to provide us with a better life. 

      He was my motivation to study hard and excel in school so I could make him proud. Life was good until tragedy struck our household when  I was thirteen, Dad passed away in a car crash and I was left heartbroken. It felt unreal. Words couldn't describe my pain and my heart felt heavy as I watched my whole world shatter into a million pieces.  

      Though years had gone by, the pain remains the same. I completed my education, started a career, and built a family of my own but Dad’s absence in my life was still deeply felt. 

      Looking at his photo brought back cherished memories and I recalled a day I could never forget. 

     That evening, the warm air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers as the sun dipped below the horizon. Dad and I sat together on our balcony, watching the sky turn pink. I turned to him, my voice barely above a whisper, “Daddy, will I always be your little girl?”

     He grinned, revealing his gap teeth, “You’ll always be my little girl, Khadijah.”

     “Promise me you’ll always be by my side, no matter what?”   

      “I promise you, dear,” His calm but firm voice, reassuring me as he planted a light kiss on my forehead. “Always.”

       Tears began flowing down my cheeks, reminiscing about the wonderful memories we shared. 

     Even after his untimely death, I couldn't help but share the incredible stories of his life and the impact he had on me. My childhood, filled with unforgettable memories and lessons learned from him, has transformed into a cherished tale that I pass down to my kids, allowing them to experience the warmth of his spirit and the joy he brought into our lives. In my heart, he will always be cherished as my enduring hero, a figure of strength and inspiration whose legacy resonates deeply within me.