The shoe I made for my father

The day I decided to take the giant stride, withdrew all my money and walked into that workshop to start my training as a shoemaker, was the day I changed my name to fearless.

I had come to Lagos, after convincing my parents that it was about coming for my professional program and looking for a job. Life happened and God led my path to shoe making. I remember that I was very skeptical about telling my parents that their beloved daughter, who studied accounting for 4yrs, was going to be a shoemaker. It was up to a week before I summoned courage and called home.

I can't forget what my dad said... He said "I am happy.............. ". He was happy I chose a path to be responsible for. He was happy I have learnt how to take charge of my life and make my choices. I remember crying myself to sleep because those words echoed "I love you no matter what" in my heart.

I couldn't wait to make a pair of footwear for my amazing father. The first sandals I made was for my father. I was sweating profusely that day and trying to fix everything that I thought should be fixed. I was very broke but didn't bother because I couldn't wait to tell my father through action that I love him. I injured myself but cared less... I didn't eat anything that day till I was done and with happiness, I went to GUO park and sent the footwear home.

You can imagine the joy of my father when he called to bless me and thank me. It was a beautiful morning and I was happy. What I didn't know was that the footwear didn't fit him well and he couldn't wear it. I remember returning home one day and walking into the room to see the wonderful sandals made in love. I realised it has not been worn and that was when I was told that it didn't fit by my mum. Till date, daddy never flawed that sandals in my presence

I felt really bad but didn't give up. My father got the message I sent through that gesture. It was barely 2weeks in training that I made that footwear. It wasn't perfect but for my father, it was a lot. I was touched and I swore to make a better one when my hands are steady on the tools

Months went by and I decided to make one. I had to fulfill the promise I made to myself. My father who was my first cheerleader got this pair of shoes from a daughter whose way of saying I love you was through good shoes. Dad got his shoes and wow! It fits perfectly. You won't believe how he wears this shoe to show off.

I remember the day I came home after gifting him the shoe, he announced that he was rocking the shoe to church that Sunday. I was touched and cried my heart out because I looked at the feet of my father and I pat my tired self while I whispered to myself "You have done well". I am not a perfect daughter but I am blessed with an amazing father.

Am proud to be a Shoemaker