Monday 19 January 2015

My first love

"I thought I would start my speech by addressing you as the “new” family of my daughter. But I think it would be inappropriate because now that she is married, you are “the family” for her. Believe me; I don’t have a problem with that. I, in fact, want my daughter to have “you” as her priority now. Its time for us to take a backseat in her life. We would happily accept it but would surely request one thing- please keep her happy! She will perhaps be happier than what she used to be here. But like all fathers, I obsess over my daughter’s happiness. She never was and will never be a burden for me. She is in fact the reason why I breathe and smile. I am getting her married because this is what the law of nature demands. I am helpless in the face of our culture and therefore sending her to your home. She was the happiness of my home and will now light up your home. I am giving my world to you. Please make sure it remains beautiful. I am giving away my princess to you. Please make sure she stays as a queen. For all the care, love, beauty and warmth my daughter will bring into your lives, I just want her happiness in return—please keep her happy! If at times you think that my daughter has said or done something wrong, feel free to scold her. But handle her with love. She is very fragile. If at times she feels low, be with her. She just needs a little bit of your attention. If at times she feels sick, show her some care. It’s the medicine that works best for her. If at times she fails to fulfill a responsibility, feel free to chastise her. But empathize with her. She is still learning. Please keep her happy! I don’t mind if I don’t get to see her for months. I don’t mind if I am not able to talk to her on a daily basis. I would be more than happy if she doesn’t remember me much. But, my only motive in life has been my daughter’s happiness which is now in your hands. I beg you, please keep her happy. Dear son-in-law, these words may not mean much to you now but if you are lucky enough to father a daughter someday, you will appreciate them better when you will find every beat of your heart shouting – “Please keep her HAPPY”

I culled this from @weddingdigestnaija on IG. I bet this is how my dad felt. I saw him have mixed
emotions at my traditional wedding. Happy his baby was getting married and sad she would be leaving home. My CBM had to wipe tears and cattarh off my face during the vows. I cried hard, didn't want to leave. But God said pack your bags. When pastor says pray for your family. Since I can't stop him to ask if he means my husband or dad, mom and brother, I pray for everyone. It's a win-win for me!! More family to love and to love me. I miss my parents in ways I never knew I would. Should I feel guilty because i'm happier and feel at home in my home? :d


I'm all mushy mushy now. Thanks for reading lovers. Don't forget to leave a comment *wink* Yours in "mushyness", Anuoluwapo.

*mushy mushy = emotional
 CBM = Chief bride's maid

16 comments:

Lohla's Melange said...

You got me all mushy too. The love between father and daughter vs mother and son is indescribable. My dad cried when he was blessing us and my husband’s mum finished the crying when it was her turn to bless us. It was a mushy affair.

ire said...

Cry cry baby.lol. I can't wait for that special day

Unknown said...

Awww....This is sweet...buh I am soooooo glad I didn't have to deal with all these emotions mehnnnn....you know, when ladies say this after getting married, 'I miss my parents'...I don't get it....lol....then again, I don't get alot of things...hehe

Howdy mamacita!

Esquire said...

My wife looked into her dad's face on our white wedding day and saw him wiping some tears with hankerchief. She sef started crying.I was wondering what kind of drama was being displayed. Am i a kidnapper trying to kidnap your daughter or what? Many questions ran through my mind but I now understand when I look at my daughter and wonder one day one man will come from no where and take her away.

Eeeiyaaa pele. Mrs Toki. Mr Toki just you away from your daddy just like that. All these men sef. Na wa. Lol

Anonymous said...

That special bond truly exists btw fathers & daughters. However, I can truly say that my father(in-law) doubles as my father & I hv been so lucky cos he takes me as his own too, trusting me to take care of his princess just like he would.

Ayangalu, the drummer boy said...

Leaving the known for the unknown,
Certainty for uncertainty,
Sacrificing the known love for promises of a better one assured by a new lover,
indeed tears will cascade
Tears dt can only be assauged by the true and genuine love of the new lover.

Eniwealth said...

I saw this post on IG and I got teary-eyed. I screen grabbed for keeps sef. I already know, I'd cry on my wedding day, as I even shed a tear or two at other people's weddings already.

Anonymous said...

A wwww.....so sweet ...I used to wonder y brides and parents cry at the wedding but reading dis alone answers the "Y"...... I picture my dad feeling every bit of wat dis father felt wen my big day comes....

Anuoluwapo said...

:D thank you

Anuoluwapo said...

Ese o.lol. Soon by God's grace

Anuoluwapo said...

Fine fine, you?
Hmmm, i'm stuck on your blog. Trying to know you

Anuoluwapo said...

I'm glad you understand how her dad felt now :D

Anuoluwapo said...

Awwww, you're blessed!

Anuoluwapo said...

Apt!! Thank you

Anuoluwapo said...

Not to worry, i'll bring lots of handkerchiefs to your wedding :d

Anuoluwapo said...

He can't help feeling this way. Thank you :*