Tuesday 23 September 2014

Tribute to my late father, Dr. J.H. Prah

On September 18th my father, Dr. Joseph Henry Prah died. 

Yes it is sad, but I am trying to celebrate his life by remembering him. 

He was an generous man who could be ornery at the same time. I like to think that one of the things he appreciated about me was that I never let him get away with telling me what to do. You see, he was a man of power and greatness, and men of power need someone to put them in their place every once in a while (in my case it was all the time because I am just as stubborn as him).

In the end we'd settle our differences until the next little incident came along. We both enjoyed the challenge. 

My friend met my father once and told me that I was just like him, not by way of looks, but intelligence, charm and well, stubbornness. I accepted his comment as a compliment because I had nothing but respect for my father.


He will be missed.  Here's one of our last conversations when he was in the hospital about a week before he died (he died at home, I think this brought him a sense of peace).

Daddy (pronounced Duddy): Nana Araba I like you. Thank you for everything you have done for me.
Me: *smile*
Daddy (looking at me intently): I really like you. Do you like me, too?
Me (bigger smile): Yes Daddy I like you. Very much. 
A short nod of his head and a smile from my father as if that's all he needed to hear.

He never told me he loved me, but he showed it and I believe that one conversation expressed it. In this life he did well by me, and I hope I did well by him too.

Rest in peace, my father.

41 comments:

  1. What a lovely tribute to your father. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.

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  2. A lovely tribute, Nana. RIP, Mr. Prah, you raised a wonderful daughter.

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  3. A beautiful tribute, Nana. It is good to celebrate the life of such a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
    My love and hugs to you.

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    1. I accept the love and hugs, Kiru. Thank you.

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  4. This is a wonderful tribute. It's hard to lose a parent, but it's clear that you have a wealth of wonderful memories that will stay with you for life.

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    1. Those memories are what's keeping me strong and still able to smile.

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  5. Nana, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Your post brought me to.tears. what a lovely tribute to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.

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  6. A beautiful tribute nana. Sorry for your loss but glad you remember the best of your father.

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    1. Thanks, Sheena-kay. I must focus on the good.

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  7. I have tears in my eyes Nana. It's a beautiful tribute and I love the conversation . I always say you can love someone and yet not particuparly like them. Good you and your dad had both. Hugs

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    1. You spoke the absolute truth, Empi. Thank you.

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  8. Some people manage to erect a golden pedestal for the one they lost regardless of their years of contradiction, whether out of sorrow or/and feeling sorry for themselves. But you Nana, have remained in truth. And truth is power. Sometimes, I feel it's easier to love rather than to like someone. To Really Like someone goes a long way and as you've figured out, it's the path to pure love. You've written a true remembrance to Joseph! May God Be With You!

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  9. Nana, I wish there were words I could give you that would help, but none exist. I am so sorry. We lost my mom six years ago, and, dear God, it hurts today just like it did then. I'm so glad your father told you (in his way) how much he cared for you before he died. Those goodbyes are so important. I will carry the memory of my mother's goodbye with me until the day I die. The last time I ever saw her (we both knew it was the end), she raised a weak, shaky hand to my cheek and, in words twisted by a brain tumor, over and over she said, "I dove jou. I dove y-you." One of the most beautiful moments of my life.

    Much love and many blessings to you!

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    1. Oh my, Julia. Your mother gave you a wonderful gift before she died.

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  10. Oh my. I'm so sorry, Nana. How sad. He sounded like amazing man. I'm glad you had a special moment with him the end. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss Nana. What a wonderful way to celebrate your father and what he meant to you. Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers for your family.

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    1. Thank you Anna. I accept all the good thoughts and prayers you send.

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  12. I'm so sorry to read this. This is a beautiful tribute and the pictures are lovely. My condolences to you and your family, so sorry for your loss.

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your good memories of him bring you comfort in the days to come.

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  14. So sorry for your loss, Nana. It brought back memories of my own late father, whom we affectionately called "The Meanest Man in the World" - *Smile* Sending you prayers for comfort and support. Find strength in your memories.

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    1. Lol about your father's nickname. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. Ow my sister. So very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies and condolences. I was so touched by your words. You had such a lovely father and your tribute attest to this fact. May the good Lord keep him safe in His bosom.

    When is the funeral?

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  16. May his soul rest in perfecf peace. May you and your family be comforted at this time. I'm sending you warm and wide hugs.

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    1. Thank you, Stella. I'm stepping into your hugs.

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  17. It sounds like your father really loved you, Nana, right till the very end. I'm so sorry for your loss. He is in a better place now. :(

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  18. Wow, Nana. I could barely swallow as I read your remarkable tribute to your father. I am so glad that you have found the silver lining in your relationship. And thank you for sharing the photos. You both look very happy side-by-side.

    My memories of my dad are not the same type that you have with yours. My father is still alive and has never told me that he loved or liked me. I had a heart attack a couple of years back. He took me to the ER and said, "I'll tell your mom" and drove off. I had to admit myself to the hospital. I know that seeing people through eyes of love can make all the difference, and you certainly exemplify this, even when knowing that "stubbornness" runs in your family. Thank you for the important reminder that I can take with me next time I see my dad.

    God bless you and may your memories of your father always bring you joy!
    ~Carole Avila

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    1. Thank you Carole. That's sad about your father. I'd like to think he was too scared to stay and yet too afraid not to drive you. While he's still alive I hope things turn around in your relationship. Thank you for your wonderful prayer.

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  19. Stopped by to read about your weekly celebration but found this instead. Am so sorry for your loss. It sounds as though your father really loved you. Cherish his memory always.

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  20. I'm so sorry for your loss, Nana. This was a lovely tribute your dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Hugs.

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