By Francis Quamina Farrier
OVER the past two years, I have been conducting investigations into the ultimate objective of that horrible, even deadly, ‘Mr. COVID.’ We all agree that this no-good individual should, as the song says, “Hit the road Jack, and don’t come back no more, no more, no more!” There has been quite a lot of damage done by ‘Mr. COVID’. Lots of people have died because of his relentless attacks, killing without consideration; mothers…fathers. Like so many of us, I have lost some friends to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of them were fathers, even the sole breadwinner of their families. So tragic, especially for young children.

As this devasting COVID-19 pandemic raves on, parents with young children find it immensely taxing on their time, patience and emotions, as well as their finances. Many fathers have been affected over the past two years. Most of them are rising to the challenging situation. They are not caving in or throwing their hands up in disgust and defeat because they are “Men of Purpose”. Many I know personally, and I can say they are facing up to their responsibilities as fathers; it is not easy for many fathers, but they carry on bravely knowing that their little ones depend on them for their emotional and physical needs until they are old enough to take care of themselves. And there is no way out, except by time.

On Father’s Day 2022, we focus specifically on the demands on those dedicated fathers who continue to be there for their young children in the good as well as the bad times. For example, the cost of living has been rising steadily over the recent years. The bad times of the coronavirus are also putting extra pressure on the nation’s Health Ministry and private health providers and hospitals. But at the Family level, Fathers find themselves with extra responsibilities, such as taking a sick child to the hospital or to see their family doctor. It is somewhat taxing, but those fathers – those men of purpose – never flinch when they are needed and step forward to do whatever they have to do for their children’s happiness and development.

Over the past two years, these fathers also find themselves facing off with the aggressive ‘Mr. COVID’ at times, which is not easy. However, most fathers I know who are in such a situation are rising to the challenging occasion. Father’s Day 2022 finds many fathers facing a range of challenges. The ongoing coronavirus, which is still ravishing humans globally, continues to take down many men who are fathers. The hope, therefore, is that in 2023, there will be a great decrease in coronavirus deaths, including a reduction in the deaths of Fathers, especially those with young children.