Barack Obama Opens Up About Dad Who Left When He Was Just 2
- Former US President Barack Obama grew up without a father figure
- Despite that, he managed to join politics and rise into a polished, celebrated and bright president
- However, the road to his success was not easy
- The father of two said he had to figure his way through life and teach himself how to become a man
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A strong father figure is important in a young boy's growth. A dad plays the role of a leader, a protector, a moral compass and an adviser when it comes to the upbringing of a male child.
Most times, men who were raised away from their fathers argue that they missed out on a lot. They needed the bonding, the teachings and the guidance of a father but lacked it.
Source: UGC
Former US President Barack Obama opened up on how his Kenyan father's absence affected him as he transitioned from a child to a man.
According to the retired leader, he did not really know his father. At least not the way he wished he did.
Obama’s dad left his mum when he was just two years old.
The late scholar visited the former US president once and would occasionally converse with him through letters.
“He left my mother and me when I was two years old, and only travelled from Kenya to visit us once, when I was ten. That trip was the first and last I saw of him; after that, I heard from him only through the occasional letter, written on thin blue airmail paper that was preprinted to fold and address without an envelope,” the father of two wrote in a Facebook post.
Obama, who met his father aged 10, said that single visit greatly impacted his life.
Thanks to the ex-president's dad, he received his first basketball and was introduced to the groove of Jazz music.
Unfortunately, he also learnt that it was upon him to learn how to become a man.
Obama knew that no one would teach him and he had to figure it out on his own.
As earlier reported by Briefly.co.za, Obama and his better half Michelle Obama have maintained their puppy love throughout their marriage.
They celebrate each other grandly during birthdays and make their anniversaries unforgettable.
As Michelle turned 57, Obama wanted her to know that she is and will always be his best friend.
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Source: Briefly News
Maryn Blignaut (Human-Interest HOD) Maryn Blignaut is the Human Interest manager and feature writer. She holds a BA degree in Communication Science, which she obtained from the University of South Africa in 2016. She joined the Briefly - South African News team shortly after graduating and has over six years of experience in the journalism field. Maryn passed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (Google News Initiative), as well as a set of trainings for journalists by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at: maryn.blignaut@briefly.co.za
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
