The Cap That Stopped a Boy’s Tears: Remembering Sadiq Modibbo - By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
Fifteen years have passed since I last held my son, Sadiq Modibbo, in my arms. Even now, the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his tiny hand remains vivid in my mind. There was something remarkable about him, a light that shone through even in moments of fear or pain. I remember the first time I realized how deeply he loved the simple things that connected him to me. Whenever he cried, I would gently remove my cap, and just like that, his tears would stop. It was as if the gesture spoke to him in a language only he and I shared—a language of love, trust, and comfort. Sadiq was often unwell, and our visits to the hospital were frequent. Yet, despite his fragile health, he carried himself with an unusual courage. The doctors, nurses, and other caregivers grew to know him well. They would smile at his little jokes, or nod knowingly when he quieted at the sight of me. In those hospital rooms, I learned to see him not just as my son, but as a symbol of resilience. Ev...