If the last few days of this World Cup didn’t teach you anything about humans, I fear you may never learn.
Jeremy Doku wanted to leave the Belgian camp to be there for the birth of his first child. There was outrage. A french media personality criticised him publicly. Called him names. Said he was throwing away a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cut an umbilical cord.
Didier Deschamps' mother passed away. He needed to leave. Everyone understood. "Rest in peace." "Take all the time you need." Full compassion. No questions asked.
Read that again.
We are comfortable with a man leaving to bury his mother - but a man leaving to witness the birth of his child is controversial?
That’s an express show of the insensitivity that has become prevalent today because everyone has an opinion on everyone’s lives.
Death gets grace. Life doesn't.
That is the hypocrisy.
Once a celebrity dies, watch the entire timeline filled with people saying
"give people their flowers while they're alive" and "cherish your loved ones" but it's performance. It's paparazzi.
Because the moment a man actually chooses his family in real time, over work, over ambition, over the World Cup - suddenly he's irresponsible.
We only honour love when it's too late. We only respect presence when someone is gone.
If you ever find yourself having to choose between your family and your work, choose your family. 100% of the time. Not 99.
Workplace is ruthless. If Doku drops a stinker during a game, nobody cares about his sacrifice, HE WILL BE TAKEN OFF.
Your family IS the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
May God strengthen the family of the bereaved and may he add more joy and laughter to the family celebrating new life.
Remember this is not just a player who chooses to come to play for Haiti to get a better contract.
This is a Premier League player.
This is an Europa League player.
This is a 6 goals Premier League Player while being a sub.
This is LEGENDARY!