A Heartfelt Letter to Our Fathers
By Rabi Ummi Umar,
A child is born, nurtured, and cared for until he grows into a boy, then a man—becoming a brother, a husband, a father, a son-in-law, and eventually a grandfather. At each stage, he shoulders countless responsibilities—some of which begin even before his first breath.
From the moment he enters the world, he is taught to conform to society’s expectations. Men are seen as strong. But are they always? And must they be? Like women, men are human—crafted by God with the same hearts and the same fragility.
Yet they are expected to “do the most,” to lead without falter, no matter the circumstance. But even leaders need rest. They need shoulders to cry on, friends to confide in, and spaces where they feel loved, heard, and understood. A man is not a machine. He is human, just like the rest of us.
From an early age, the world piles responsibilities onto men, and many grow up with others depending on them. I was blessed to grow up with a beautiful relationship with my father—my best friend, my confidant, my mentor, and my loudest cheerleader.
I know our moments together brought him comfort, though he rarely voiced his own burdens. Some fathers love with words. Some love with tired hands, long nights, and silent sacrifices.
Some love so quietly that you do not recognize it until you’re grown—and looking back. And when you finally see it, it hits harder than anything else ever could. Fathers deserve celebration every day—not just on Father’s Day.
For the sleepless nights, for the work they do without applause, and for the invisible sacrifices they make. A father sets the path, he lifts, he shields. My father helped me believe in my dreams, and I am forever grateful.
Men deserve to be appreciated—not just for what they provide, but for how they love. To my father, and to all the fathers who have guided, supported, and loved in quiet strength: thank you. To the fathers we have lost—we remember and honor you.
To those still here—every man out there: we see you. Your efforts matter. It is okay to pause. It is okay to feel uncertain. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to be human.
Happy Father’s Day.
Rabi Ummi Umar, a student of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, writes from Nigeria. She can be reached at: rabiumar058@gmail.com
