Delroy Bowla — A true example of a father
Fathers’ Day has always been extremely special for associate clinical psychologist Keisha Bowla Hines.
Having been raised by her uncle, Delroy Bowla, and his wife Verna, from she was four years old, Bowla Hines never misses an opportunity to thank the man she calls Papa, as he made tremendous sacrifice to see to her well-being, despite being the breadwinner for his family, as well as his mother and father who were also dependent on him.
This year Bowla Hines penned a heartfelt letter to her papa, and despite the fact that Father’s Day was observed last month, we got her permission to share it with readers with the hope that it will inspire more men to live up to their paternal responsibilities.
Here is the full text of her letter to honour the man she regards as a most exemplary father.
When I think about you, Papa, several words come to my heart — wonderful, pure, kind, generous, courageous, thoughtful, truthful, integrous, honest, hard-working, sacrificial, an excellent provider, independent, helpful, persevering, loving and strong. Even if the list went on and on, it would never fully capture the essence of who you are and what you mean to me. You epitomise love.
Who are you to me, Papa? The one who saw in me, more than what my parents saw. The uncle who decided that he had to do more, because being just an uncle, was not enough. The imperfect dad who is perfect in my eyes. My encourager. The guardian who sacrificed, even himself, so that I would be happy and my needs would be met. The father who, despite the odds and having four children of your own, did not give up on me. You are my father, Papa.
Even now, at age 44, I know that you still worry about my well-being. You still see me as a child. Your heart towards me is that of a father who will move heaven and earth for me if you have to.
You always see the best in me, even when I don’t see that in myself. You still guide me and listen to what I have to say, even if you don’t agree with me. I can always come to you, no matter what or how I feel. Know that whenever I do well, it is to honour you. Why? Because you deserve to be honoured. You deserve to feel loved and celebrated. You deserve to know how special you are and how valuable you are to me.
Who I am today, is because of you, Papa. You have been through so much, yet not once did I see you ever give up. You set high standards to make sure that I was never mediocre in work, school, family or relationships. Now excellence is one of my core values and giving up is never an option.
You taught me to trust Father God in all things, because He would make a way no matter how difficult things appear. Today, I live by God’s grace alone. From you, Papa, I learned how to navigate life. So now, when I stumble and fall, I can pick myself up, brush myself off and try again. You are a model father, a teacher of good things.
On this day, I honour you, Papa. Thank you for being consistent and giving me stability. You have been loving, kind and caring towards me ever since I was a child.
Forty years later you are still that person. My children are blessed to have you in their lives and I am doubly blessed because of your presence in this stage of mine. You are a true example of how God intended fathers to love their children.
Thank you for loving me, Papa.
I love you.
Keisha