By Seth Naicker

Dear Dad, I’ve been thinking about you a lot this weekend, especially as I watch my sons grow up and reflect on fatherhood, family, and the things that really matter.

As you know, Dad, Mahalia has been away, and we miss her. I miss her. Merrishia was also away visiting and spending quality time with Mahalia, so it was just the boys and me. We had an awesome time during the school holidays. Nothing major or extravagant, just little experiences that I know the boyzinies enjoyed and hopefully will remember and cherish as they grow older.

I also shared with Mom how loyal you were to us as your children and family. You always made it clear that you had our backs, and your love, loyalty, and support were never in doubt. That’s something I want to carry forward in my own life: being that kind of father to my children, husband and life partner to Merrishia, and brother and family member to my siblings, elders, and priority family circles.

Oh yes, Dad, I’ve also noticed that since your passing and transition into the sweet by and by, my cooking skills and standards have been flopping.

I’ve started making banana bread, though, inspired by some bananas that practically called out to me, insisting that we use their deliciousness rather than let them go to waste. So, at least there’s some progress in the kitchen! I even messaged Merrishia on our family chat and told her I needed to talk to you about my cooking.

Truthfully, Dad, since your hospitalisation and, later, your final transition, I feel like I’ve lost some of my mojo. Perhaps getting back into the kitchen is one of those little things I need to do to find my feet again.

I’m thinking it’s time to make a lekker mutton curry, something you and I would both enjoy, with some fresh, hot bread from the local bakery. It would be awesome to hang out with you around the fire, burning wood, cooking, laughing, talking, and eventually sitting down to enjoy the meal together. Nothing fancy, just good food, good conversation, and time together.

I miss those moments, Dad. While I can’t recreate them exactly, I can hold onto the memories and create new ones with the boys, Mahalia, Merrishia, and our family.

So, it’s time to return to the kitchen and up my game! I’ll let you know how it goes, Dad. I might write another letter to tell you all about it.

Much love, Dad. I love you, I miss you, and I trust and believe that you are at peace and smiling down on us.

I’ll keep on keeping on, Dad, making memories with my priority people and doing my best.

Just like you would say: “Make it happen!”

Your son,

Seth Naicker