By Utamu Belle
While the role of fatherhood presents numerous challenges, Linden father of nine Leon Fiedtkou believes that a father’s love is one of the main ingredients that keeps a family together. Mr. Fiedtkou, who hails from Speightland is father to 8 biological children and a foster child, the eldest being 48 and youngest 28 years old.
The Sunday Times Magazine recently sat down with the 73-year-old Fiedtkou, a well-respected gentleman in the community, where he spoke about his own experiences over the years associated with his role of fatherhood. While he agreed that fatherhood presents its own challenges, Mr. Fiedtkou believes that fathers should remain steadfast and always be there to give support.
As he explained, before he had any children of his own, he was a foster father. He said while it was a learning experience, it was nothing strange, since he was an elder sibling of 15 children. Though this union did not last, he went on to have more children, six of which he has with his wife, Gina who passed away 3 years ago. According to Mr. Fiedtkou, who is originally from Malali, Upper Demerara River, he grew up in a home with lots of children under the guidance of his parents. He later ventured into woodwork with his father.
“Most of the time I used to handle the work. We had a shop and I was like second boss”, he said, as he shared a glimpse into the relationship he had with his own father.
It was the love shown to him by his father, he went on to explain, which provided the fuel for his future generations. Mr. Fiedtkou moved to Linden in 1992 in search of better educational access for his children.
“I grew up in a home whereby my father had small children. I was the second eldest for my father. He had 15 children. So we grew up together and I had a lot of experience with children, my small brothers and sisters”, Mr. Fiedtkou said.
Even after he separated from his foster daughter’s mother, Mr. Fiedtkou raised his foster daughter until she became an adult.
“She’s very dutiful to me up to now, because growing up she knew me as ‘daddy'”.
A self-employed tractor driver for many years, Mr. Fiedtkou recalled the challenges associated with raising his children in the riverine community of Malali years ago. “Children are always a challenge. We had lots of challenges. Living in the river (riverine area) wasn’t easy. Especially with sickness, we had to depend on God and most times home remedies. Because at that time engine boats weren’t as popular as now, so it was challenging to get out here”, he related.
He said nevertheless, his family endured until they were able to move to Linden. Though his children are all grown now, he said quality family time is always on everyone’s ‘to do’ list.
“I try to live a good family life with my children,” he pointed out.
His advice to fathers? “Love, togetherness and spending quality time”.
“Fathers got a lot of responsibility. If you want to be a good father, you got to live with love. In our home, birthdays, Father’s day, Mother’s day and anniversaries are things that we celebrate. We always assemble and have a day of fun. I think that is one of the things that keep family together. A father’s love”, Mr. Fiedtkou noted.
He now has 10 grandchildren whom he noted are the joy of his life. Mr. Fiedtkou believes that when love is the foundation, a family is much stronger. “I’ve seen the way some people treat their children. Fathers especially. If you treat them the wrong way, they grow with that and pass it on to their children. So, love is the key. If you show love to them, they would grow in love”, he advises.(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
