English: A photograph of 3 teddy bears. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Every one has dealt with issues in their lives, and sometimes, fear can rear its ugly head when you least expected. But constantly dwelling on your fears or weakness just reinforces it.
Which brought my wedding day to my memory, it was only a few hours away, my heart was light and suddenly the sun shone brighter, the leaves appear greener and Yogi, my teddy bear who has been my constant support throughout my growing years was looking radiant. Its fur was worn out and all its fluffiness was a distant memory but I still loved my Yogi, it was my birthday present when I was ten and fifteen years later, it was still by my side.
Then my dad walked into my room in the midst of the laughter and preparations, my friends were crammed inside, each one trying to outsmart the other with tales of years gone by, he beckoned me to follow him and I did, I was grinning like a Cheshire cat, I was getting married and the whole world is at peace, what more could I wish for?
”You will not find life smooth sailing every day Seyi,” he said closing the door of his room and staring straight into my eyeballs. My mood plummeted like a pack of cards as I watched the fleeting emotions on his face, did I perceived fear?
”You will face life threatening situations, just dig deep and you find the courage to fight off any adversary.”
”Why dad? Why speak of trouble, why not of triumphs and victories,” I countered.
He smiled and the dimples on his cheeks deepened.
”Because you cannot taste victory without first going to war and triumph cannot know your abode without a confrontation, that is the way life is, just have this at the back of your mind, your life does matter.” he replied and gave me a bear hug, patting me on the shoulder and I left his room.
Days later, his words haunted me and I was scared because the picture he painted was not rosy but he knew better, he’s been married for fifty years, they’ve endured unimaginable pressures and problems and they came out unscathed but more strengthened than ever.
My parents have enjoyed wealth and poverty, they’ve planted and reaped bountifully yet sometimes the store houses were empty and the ravaging wolves of poverty and disease attacked from all corners but they stood firm in their faith in the God of their lives and like he said, they’ve triumphed.
My dad is tipping towards the twilight of his life, he has failed severally and won many battles, he’s human and his weaknesses sometimes threatened to overwhelm him and when I think of how quick time flies my heart shudders with what would be and what could have been.
Peter Nelson is my father and I am proud to be his daughter, he once told me my life matters and I believed him because he was saying the truth.
Your LIFE matters too, you just have to believe me!
I am sure it does!!
Seyi Sandra David 
Great dads are the best, and yes our lives do matter. Great uplifting post
Thanks for your comment, we are what we believe!
I know I haven’t told you this, but I would like to say I love reading your post and thanks for the uplifting words. Yes, my life do matter and I believe it!!
Thank you for your kind words, I am so happy you loved my post and thank you for stopping by. We are what we believe! Cheers!!
Reblogged this on itscijiefckyeah.
Your father is a wise man. My daughter got married Friday. She already knows, and has lived through a lot of what your father said. your life does matter; so does everyone’s. Most important to me, though, is that God loves me and all of us and watches constantly. I trust my life there.
Scott
Thank you Scott for your comment, the love of God is above all and what really matters but we must have a consciousness of Him being our father, that knowledge is what keeps us safe most of the time. Thanks again for taking time to stop by my blog. And I wish your daughter the best in her new journey! Cheers!!
Your post just brought my spirits up! Your father sounds like a very wise man!
Thanks,I am so happy to hear that, thanks for your comment and for visiting my blog!
Cheers!!
My husband and I have experienced the hardest financial times of our lives since we were married seven-and-a-half years ago. This story moved me. What a blessing to be reminded that other couples who love each other deeply have endured hard times too . . . and eventually “tasted victory.”
Thank you for your honest and touching comment. Tough times never last but tough people do, your tide will change for the best and your victory will be a lasting one. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Cheers!
Love this post! I started philosophizing when my son was young so that he would be prepared for life. I told him all about how you had to have “bad” or you wouldn’t know “good;” and without sadness you would not recogize happiness. I think he got the message because he is happily married; whereas I was not. Thanks for subscribing to my blog.
My pleasure Sandra, thanks for your comment, so happy about your son, and thanks for stopping by too. Cheers!
Dads are power houses. Sometimes one or two words from them could charge you like anything. 🙂
Exactly, my dad is gentle but when he speaks you just have to listen. Thanks Manu for your comment, I appreciate it!