IN a rare story of love, sacrifice and loyalty, former wife to late lifelong proprietor of Lusaka Dynamos, Hanif Adams, has explained how the two shared a cardinal relationship of co-parenthood despite being divorced for 16-years.
Adams died on Sunday aged 70 after battling cancer and was buried later in the evening.
Talking to Kalemba at the house of mourning in Lusaka’s Kalundu area yesterday, Louise Miles described her late husband as not just a man she grew up to know as a friend but an incredible father to their children and who ensured they never lacked.
“I was married to this man from the age of 19, so I’ve basically known him almost all my life. He and I had a love and hate relationship, but beneath all that, there was a lot of love going on. We fought, we got along. We did all those things together throughout his illness, the whole of last year was crazy and it’s been me and the children by his side throughout, [getting the] love and support.”
“I called him my first born son because he was a father to me in my younger days and I became a mother to him in his last days. So I’m confident that where he is, he is in peace because he felt the love from all of us, I held his hand throughout his journey just as I promised from the beginning,” Miles said.
She continued to share that barely 10 days before his demise, Miles, Adams and the children were just from having fun, and very far away from the thought that he might go forever.
“I honestly can’t seem to comprehend that he is gone, I know the last one year was slowly preparing us for the inevitable. We lived through the ups and downs,” she said.
“From dancing with our children 10 days before to ICU, [and being] buried just like that, it is too much to take in. I know he probably thought he let us down, let the kids down, but I think everyone who knew him knows that he fought a good fight. He was very optimistic.”
Miles shared her fear of life without Adams.
” It is scary for me because I can’t. I don’t know how to live my life as Louise without Hanif and it’s a bit scary because I’m not sure how I will manage alone with the kids, but I trusted Almighty. God will send the right people to be there for me and the children when we need them,” said Miles.
Hanif’s first born daughter, Ameena Adams, 24 remembered her father as the present man in her and her siblings’ lives as he always made sure they never lacked.
She added that their dad was not only a father to them, but to many others as well.
“He fulfilled all his obligations as our father and was always present in our lives despite having the a huge responsibility of managing the team. He made sure that I pursued my dream career as a doctor as education was something very important to him.”
“We appreciate all his efforts to make sure that he gave us the best of the best in life as he always made sure we got whatever we asked for as he always provided for us and showed us love in very unique ways,” Ameena shared.
His second daughter, Kamila Adams aged 20 recounted the period of her father’s ailment, as her mother and siblings dedicated their time to be at his bedside, throughout his treatment and during his toughest moments.
“He showed us incredible strength and courage. I’m grateful for the moments we made, the lessons, he’s taught me. And his unwavering love. His fight has taught us to choose every moment and love each other without condition.”
“His absence has left a big hole in our lives, but his legacy will live forever in our hearts,” mourned Kamila.
Meanwhile, Hanif’s last born child, Yousef Adams is dedicated to keep his father’s football legacy, and ensuring that his dream lives on.
“I watched how my father sacrificed for his team for many years. Football was my father’s passion and it is also mine and my sisters. He started a football team from scratch and we are committed to continuing his legacy.”
“He brought us up with good values and my father was not just a father to us but to many, I am sure many can attest to that. Furthermore, we want to contribute to uplifting young athletes and aspiring players in Zambia, ensuring his dreams live on. At the end of our mourning period, we will approach companies and some family members to see how they can help us carry on his dream. Love you dad,” said Yousef.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba September 11, 2024
Rest in peace Farther 🙏