A Tribute to you Daddy.
Daddy, you had one of the biggest hearts God ever placed on this earth. To be loved by you was to know what pure, safe, unconditional love felt like. You loved me with a depth that would stay with me forever. You were the very first man who taught me my worth—not through words alone, but through how you treated me, spoke to me, and cared for me.
You were the first man to make me feel beautiful. The first to buy me jewelry that made me feel precious. The first to give me perfumes and my makeup—I still remember the name of my first lipstick, (Called Perfect Kumquat). Lol! not because I needed them, but because you saw who I was becoming, a teenager who started showing interest in those things, and you wanted to be a part of that journey, and that instilled confidence in me, being present for the little and big moments of my life.
You poured into me long before I even understood the value of what you were doing. We had our own playful jokes, You called me “Mama” and “Ekas” with so much affection that still brings a warm smile to my face when I remember, and I would call you “my son”—a joke and softness that the two of us shared.
The memories of our travels together still sit gently in my heart. You exposed me to the fine things of life, not to show off, but to open my eyes to what was possible. You wanted me to see the world, to enjoy life, to understand beauty, culture, and quality, (Oh yes! You were big on quality) Lol!.
You were the first man who loved me without limits. Without condition. Without hesitation. And that love set the foundation for the woman I’ve become.
You showed that same love to my husband Kenny—embracing him fully, with no barriers, no reservations. You became a father to him in every sense, your teases of each other and your soccer rivalry about Chelsea being a better team than his Manchester United, you were warm to him and made him belong.
And with your grandchildren… you were the grandfather every parent dreamt their kids will have. You were present, playful, and proud of them anytime I shared their accomplishments with you. You wanted Boaz and Levi to grow into strong, well-rounded men, and you never stopped advising me on how to let them start and own their businesses early. Your heart for them was pure love.
I miss calling you every Monday.
I miss us hanging up the phone with you saying “God bless you”.
I miss you calling me Mama.
I miss you calling me Ekas.
I miss your fatherly love.
The world feels different without you. There is a void that I know God would fill with His warmth and love. And I know the love we shared does not disappear. It lives on in me.
Daddy, I will forever miss you. But even in this pain, I hold onto the truth: You are with your Heavenly Father. The perfect place to be, resting in his Bosom.
YOU ARE STILL MY DAD, AND YOU’LL ALWAYS BE EVARISTUS ETIM EKPO BASSEY.
I love you, son! Lol!
Your Ekas
