Fatherhood is not biology. It is a posture of the heart, a daily decision to love, to protect, to guide, and to pour. I know this well, because I am a girl who has been blessed with more than one father. And today, I choose to celebrate them all.
To My First Father: Gabriel Tamakloe
You gave me life. Our story may not be flawless, and our journey may not be conventional, but I honour you. You are a part of who I am, and for the gift of life itself, I say thank you.
To Rev. Victor Ofori Amoah
You have taught me to stand in truth and lead with humility. Through your words and actions, I have witnessed what it means to father with consistency and faith. Your mentorship has helped shape the woman I am becoming. I am so grateful.
To Prophet Bernard El Bernard Nelson Eshun
You have fathered me in the Spirit, spoken words that stirred me back to purpose, covered me with prayers that have shifted seasons in my life, and, most importantly, provided me with education. Your boldness, wisdom, and prophetic insight have been a compass for me. Thank you for being a father to many, and thank you for being there for me.
To My Husband
You show up tired, yet cheerful; unsure, yet present. You are doing far more than you realize, and we are better for it. You are the kind of father I prayed my child would have. Thank you for showing up every single day. Thank you for being dependable, intentional, and filled with love that has no end.
You have become not only my partner in parenting, but also the embodiment of what I hope our child will one day become. Thank you for becoming the kind of father our child will be proud of. You are living proof that real men nurture and protect.
To Every Man Who Stepped In
To the lecturers who went beyond the classroom and taught me life, to the teachers who corrected me with love, to the mentors who believed in me when I did not believe in myself—thank you. You stood in when it was not your job, and yet you made it your mission.
To the uncles, pastors, neighbours, church fathers, supervisors, family friends, and kind strangers who offered advice, rides, rebukes, hugs, and hope—the list is endless, and so is my gratitude.
You may not wear the title “Dad,” but you stepped in when it mattered most. That makes you a father in the truest sense.
To All Fathers, in Every Form
Whether by birth, by assignment, by spirit, or by sheer decision, you are seen, celebrated, and cherished.
This Father’s Day, I honour you all.
With love and endless thanks,
Deborah
