Daive Richards: Designing the life of his daughters’ dreams

DAIVE Richards was equally excited and nervous when, at 28 years old, he learned that he would become a dad. He says meeting his first daughter Madison was a life-changing moment that he will never forget.

“Time slowed down, perspectives changed, and small things became so much more significant. As I held her, I realised that I was now responsible for something bigger than me,” Richards, who is a graphic designer at Sagicor Group Jamaica, shared with All Woman ahead of Father’s Day, which was celebrated yesterday.

“This being that I helped to create, was now in the world and needed me to survive and be happy. Most of all, it made me realise how much more you can sacrifice and love someone more than yourself,” the proud father added.

Madison is now eight years old, and Richards and his wife Melissa have since welcomed a second daughter, Morgan, into the family. Richards noted that his daughters have very different personalities, and they bring him and his wife happiness in their own ways.

“Morgan is three years old now, and although she is so little, she has a very big personality already. She knows exactly what she wants, and she will not stop until she gets it,” Richards said. “Madison is soft-spoken and calm, and she is fiercely protective of her little sister.”

While being a dad is an amazing responsibility that Richards enjoys, he admits that the journey comes with its challenges.

“One of the biggest challenges so far for me has been finding a balance between work, church, and family life,” Richards shared. “So many things pull for my time and there’s only so many hours in a day. My wife has been a major help in this area – her support is crucial.”

Richards also had to overcome a major hurdle in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when his position was made redundant from a previous job – threatening his role as provider and protector of his family.

“I lost my job and had to fight off depression, all while still having mouths to feed,” he shared. “Those days required lots of prayer and trusting God to make a way; not giving up; being willing to ask for help and becoming more flexible until a better situation came.”

As a dad who takes an active role in the nurturing of his girls, Richards also had to figure out how to cater to each child’s individual needs. But it’s a challenge that he accepts with all his heart, and he wouldn’t trade for the world.

“It’s full of laughter, and growth and tired arms. You repeat yourself so many times, but you get to witness personalities being formed, while moulding two little women to go take on this world. I get to see life through tiny eyes,” he said.

Richards is also very grateful for the support system he has around him that has helped him to evolve into the father that he is.

“My wife and I are a team and she helps to make the house of Richards function in a sane way,” he said. “We also get support from our extended family and close friends, who always offer help when we need a break, or just some good advice. Even better is the fact that I have an excellent father and father-in-law as examples.”

During daddy-and-daughters time, Richards and his girls enjoy doing puzzles, going to the park, and fancy meals… like macaroni and cheese. Most of their car rides home involve playing and singing music that they like. “We also spend a lot more time these days drawing or watching YouTube videos on ‘how to make slime’,” he shared joyfully.

His proudest moments as a dad come when other persons speak highly of his daughters, such as how caring and well-mannered they are. It’s these moments, he said, that he treasures most of all.

As Richards continues to design the life of his daughters’ dreams, he reminds other fathers of their responsibility to their families.

“On Father’s Day, I want to remind all fathers to keep it simple – just be there,” he said. “The role we play is significant and impactful in our children’s lives. Raising your children is an unmistakable opportunity to extend your reach into the lives of people and generations that we will never live to see.”