Carol Radull is arguably Kenya’s number one Arsenal fan and one of few female football journalists cutting a niche for herself in a male-dominated industry.
But away from what she does best, the TV and Radio sports presenter has endured some difficult periods in her life.
Read: Carol Radull Talks Blowing Six-Figure Salary on Booze, Job Losses
Some of these trying periods include the loss of her dad and two brothers, Robert and George. This left Radull’s family of six without male figures, and according to Radull, it has been difficult.
On Monday, Radull paid a moving tribute to her dad and brothers on social media that left her followers deeply touched.
Sharing an old studio photograph of her family, Radull recalled how they travelled from Bondo to Kisumu to have it taken. She further opened up about losing her dad and brother to cancer and how she copes with the devastating losses.
Read the full post below.
“Allow me to tell you a story about this photo. There was a time when if you wanted a cool family photo you had to go to a photo studio in town; the most popular being Ramogi’s near Kenya Cinema or in Kisumu. This was one of those days when my parents cleaned us up and we drove from Bondo to Kisumu to take a rare studio photo. And for Mr and Mrs Radull, the photo was well thought out and had to be perfect. Now unlike today when you can see the photo that’s been taken and if you don’t like then you take another; no-one would be able to see the photo until it had been printed.
So imagine the surprise and annoyance on my parents’ faces when the photo came out and I had rolled down my socks because frankly I hated pulling my socks up (they tickled me) and I hated shoes – period – and had unbuckled my shoes because I felt I had worn them for too long. I was 7 and outside of school I would be permanently barefoot.
My brother Robert was also in trouble because he put his hands in his pockets.
Years later though when we were sitting at home in our living room where the photo hung; my Dad suddenly said “I love this photo just the way it is. It shows Robert’s rebellious character and Carol’s independence. If Carol isn’t comfortable; she speaks up; sometimes with her actions. In this case; she clearly hated socks and shoes.” Mum agreed and we all laughed about it. It was a relief though knowing that I hadn’t ruined our last studio family photo.
My small brother George died of Cancer on 15th May 1987. My brother Robert died in November 1998. My Dad passed away also from cancer on May 19th, 2013. Today in Bondo we hold family prayers for them. It’s been difficult for the Radull Ladies without the strength of our brothers and father around. My Mum and my sis are my rock! That’s how I manage.
I really miss my brothers and especially my Dad. Dad had a way of making me believe that everything would be alright; especially when I felt I had made a mistake in life and rolled down my socks. I was far from being a perfect daughter or sister but he made all his children feel perfect. I miss his unconditional love.”
