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!!