Hey, it's Lynda back on Rooted&Real, and it's all been about mums, wives.
Today, it's all about dads.
Especially the 'Dads Who Are Really Trying'.
We're going to do five episodes on them.
And please remember to leave a comment if this has touched you in any way.
So daddys out there.
'Your Presence Matters' more than your paycheck.
To that dad who is trying, who thinks he's failing because
he can't give them everything.
Listen to me.
Your presence matters more than your paycheck.
You come home tired.
Every day you're hustling.
Whichever county it is, Eldoret, Nairobi, you know, and you carry this guilt.
"Am I doing enough?"
"My kids deserve more."
"My wife deserves more."
You see, You're actually seeing what other dads are
providing on Instagram or TikTok and stuff, and you
feel small, so you work more.
You become quieter at home because your mind is on bills.
But your kids, they're not counting your money.
They're counting the times you looked up from your phone,
the times you kicked the ball even for 5 minutes, the times you said,
"I'm proud of you," and meant it.
Your kids will not remember the exact amount you paid for school fees.
They will remember, though, if you were there when they were scared.
They will remember if you made them feel safe.
A present dad with little is worth much
more than an absent dad with plenty.
Honestly, you don't have to be a millionaire to be a good father.
You just have to be present.
But that doesn't mean you stop providing, 'hapana' (no).
It means you stop believing that providing is all you are.
So tonight, today evening, when you get home tired,
sit on that floor, play that silly game, listen to that long story about school.
That's the wealth they'll never forget.
You're doing better than you think.
Keep showing up, Daddy.