This 17th of November marks the first anniversary of Papa leaving us. Everyone remembers him fondly. You have to be a really, really good person for EVERYONE who knew you to only say good things about you. Papa was such a person. A loving father to his children who made each one feel special, a father to the orphans he met, an angel of God in time of need for those you needed help, a messenger of God spreading Good News to people and a mentor to many, the list can go and on.
I remember how people would always be nicer to me whenever they find out I'm his son!
I remember when I was in Lome after his passing, a man flagged our car to stop. He said he heard that Papa passed. He continued and said that Papa set up a hospital in his village (it must be a dispensary) and his family and anyone else could go there and get free medical care. He deeply regretted that he passed away. How did he know me? I was with Debbie and the driver. He knew the driver and when he saw me, he thought I must be one of his children. What a privilege to be the son of the unselfish man who spent his life building schools for free education and "hospitals" for free medical care.
I remember that as a child my Dad never had any extra money (because he always gave any extra away to someone in need) but he always had enough to make us happy. God provided for us because He knew my Dad. They were friends. They communed regularly. That check will come from Switzerland or Germany or France just on time to pay the electrical bill.
I remember Papa taking us to the beach to play soccer. Boy, we had fun! He can shoot that soccer ball.
I remember the trips to the mountains of Palime, at Missahoe. Cool, quiet (he loved the quiet), pleasant, and just him and his kids. Our special moments. Usually, there were no other guests at the motel we regularly stay in.
I remember when I was in the Dominican Republic, always thinking that I need to bring my Dad here, he would like these pretty beaches, these cool mountains, I need to get him a place here, he would love it. Little did I know, he appeared here among us to do a special labor of love, he was done, and he had no time to enjoy life a whole lot. He went back home where he came from.
Well, Dad I'm coming to see you (after I turn 100! earth years). We'll have fun when I get there. Get the ludo game and the soccer balls ready! You made me a better person by just being you.
I love you, Dad.
