An indispensable Father of Amazing Attributes

An indispensable Father of Amazing Attributes By: John B. Duodeh, Jr.
28 June 2013

There are millions of self- acclaimed fathers around the world today who have gowned and crowned themselves with this prestigious and hard-status title. It is not an easy thing to have a caring and loving dad who is always ready and willing to defend, preserve, secure, and advance his children’s future.

This is another grand opportunity for me to publicly express my deepest gratification and appreciation to a reputable personality who has transformed my life and renewed my hope for a brighter tomorrow. It is not by mistake I stand before you today to tell you few words about a person who I describe as an irreplaceable cornerstone of the Duodeh’s family. I guess you now know who I am referring to. Not to leave you in suspense, he is Mr. John B. Duodeh, Sr.

Ladies and gentlemen, permit me on this very auspicious occasion to speak to you briefly but passionately on the theme “An Indispensable Father of Amazing Attributes”. Oh yes, I could not just find an appropriate theme other than this to describe and honour such a great man who continues to leave blue prints on my life. His hallmark is evident by our family’s undisputable achievement and progress made yesteryears and now! Our success today can be measured by his courage and resilience to keep us on a platform of academic excellence and endless growth. Accomplishment is not attained through idleness, but hard work and unhindered determination.

Today, you have come to celebrate another milestone with us as we propel with our heads up high, knowing that our family shall only sustain societal influence and affluence through quality education. No wonder why my dad will continue to live at the center of my heart and remain my role model till doomsday. I yet to cross the path of a true father who possesses hundreds of extraordinary qualities like him and I am not too sure to come across one until judgment day. It is not a surprise to witness Mr. John B. Duodeh, Sr. proudly graduating this day, but an open secret that everyone knew even before his admittance at Newburgh Theological Seminary.

I can still remember few years back in Liberia when my dad could not afford to see none of his children out of school. He did all he could to get us this far. It was not all bread and butter, but with God first and his persistence to defeat potential challenges, our family can now boast aloud that we are sailing gradually from an undefined past to a rewarding destination. I yet to discover a unique word to describe my father, because all of those brilliant words in my dictionary and thesaurus are far below the true meaning of his character. He is a man beyond reproach. His fatherly role has brought joy, happiness, love, unity, and care at the door stairs of our home. His disciplinary and God-fearing posture will forever remain a source of inspiration not only for me, but my children’s children.

As my dad marches out of the walls of Newburgh Theological Seminary, I bear greater pleasure and responsibility to humbly salute him for a job well done and worth recognizing. Dad, you are an example for us and many across the globe. Your contribution to humanity is germinating at a rapid rate. All of these wonderful praises heavily rely on your resolve to pursue higher education. You have worked very hard and now is the time to give your flowers! I am happy to be a part of this history making event as we laud the effort of this great achiever. May God continue to bless you dad as we look forward to another brighter celebration. Always know that no one can take your place because you are my bridge over trouble waters and an indispensable father of exceptional qualities!

Thanks to all of you for coming and may God bless the Duodeh’s family…….