#MyKenyanHero by Cheruto Rono

Growing up in a single-parent household presented a unique set of challenges. As a little girl, it was quite difficult for me to wrap my mind around why my family setup was different from that of other kids. My mother’s responsibility as the sole provider took up a lot of her time and effort. This culminated in the need for someone else to step in and fill that father-shaped void in my life. The person who did just this was my big brother, Casper.  

Even before I became cognizant of the world around me, my brother already made up a significant part of my immediate reality. Casper was nine when I was born; I have been told stories of how we quickly became inseparable despite our age gap. I memorized the time that he got home from school and positioned myself by the front door, excitement readying me to see his face. In response to my eagerness, he would spend a few minutes entertaining me before going out to play with his friends.  

As I grew up, Casper became my go-to person for all my childhood queries. He always had an answer for my whys, whats, hows, whos and whens. Most of his answers were pure fiction laced with humour that left me in stitches. But even when I started reading, writing, and counting, he guided me through those first hurdles that come along with receiving a formal education.  

As my mother’s work schedule grew more hectic over the years, Casper took on more home duties. My brother kept the house running: he did the cooking and cleaning and in turn taught me these responsibilities; then, he took me to my doctors’ appointments; then, he ensured I did my homework; then, he paid close attention to the company I kept, and he even nursed me back to health whenever I fell ill. Casper morphed into more than a brother; I started to see him as a father, tutor, and since I had a hard time making friends, confidant. He donned many hats in my life and took his care-giving responsibilities very seriously. All this he did while pursuing his own goals and working to become his own man.  

It wasn’t always smooth sailing; there were good days, bad days, and dark days. Sometimes your heroes let you down and other times you let your heroes down, but such are the complexities of interpersonal connections. Over the years, we grew close then distant then close once again. Regardless of where our relationship has stood, Casper has always been the person I call when I have news – good or bad. Words can never be enough to explain the love and respect I have for my big brother. Through all the tumultuous moments of our shared existence, he has unceasingly remained #MyKenyanHero.  

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This story was shared by Cheruto, one of the writers at Paukwa. She is an avid bookworm and adventurer who enjoys stringing words together to produce a beautifully crafted story.