Jodie and his dad Wayne
Image: Facebook
In a world dominated by doom and gloom, a son and father duo is showing the power of love and devotion, Jodie Lee Abrahams,36, often posts videos of him visiting his father, Wayne Abrahams, 62, capturing small, tender moments of care that have touched thousands online.
But behind the clips is a story of grief, survival, and unwavering love and dedication.
“The moment everything changed for my family was when we lost my mom on May 8, 2017,” Jody recalled.
“My dad tried to keep himself together, but a year later, I had a motorbike accident. I almost had both my legs amputated. I flatlined three times in 13 hours. I was clinically dead for nine and a half minutes. Watching him see his only child like that must've driven him to the edge.”
Not long after, Wayne suffered a stroke, adding another layer of challenge for the father-son duo.
So what began as personal documentation evolved into a viral story that resonated with viewers.
“I started posting videos because I wanted to preserve memories of my dad,” Jodie explained. “I never expected it to go viral, but it’s amazing to see people inspired to honour their own parents. That alone makes this worth it.”
Their relationship has remained strong through the trials. “We have the same bond, just deeper,” he says. “I take care of him physically, but the emotional connection is what matters most.”
For Jodie, family means loyalty, care, and intention rather than blood alone. “I choose who I keep close,” he said. “My cousin, Nasiba, is like a sister. My dad’s brother-in-law is like a secondary dad. Blood doesn’t make your family, loyalty does.”
And while his story has inspired thousands online, for Jodie, the focus remains on the man who raised him. “I’ve made it my purpose to look after my dad and to motivate others to do the same with their parents. I only have one set of parents. You only know true pain when you see them go.”
Jodie describes his father as the foundation of his life: “He hiked from Namibia to Cape Town for my mom and me. He taught me that a man’s job is to protect and provide. I just took that a step further. I will provide by any means necessary.”
Jodie’s care for Wayne is as practical as it is heartfelt.
He manages meals, medication, and everyday life while keeping his own responsibilities. “I try to be patient, but I pray for patience constantly,” he said. “I do this without expecting anything in return. The fact that God gives me the strength to get up each day and care for my dad that’s blessing enough.”
The journey has not been without challenges. Jodie shared moments of frustration: “Sometimes he lies to me, or doesn’t take care of himself, and it makes me explode. I leave there in tears, but we always make peace again.”
Yet there are beautiful, rewarding moments too. “Seeing my dad light up when I reach milestones, like buying my first bakkie or car, or planning to build a house so he can have 24-hour care with me, makes it all worth it. He’s proud of the man I’ve become, and I see it every day.”
Lastly, viewers often see Wayne enjoying a boxed variety of meals and snacks during Jodie’s videos. “He loves it all, but if I had to pick, his absolute favourite is the little sweet treats he lights up every time,” Jodie smiled.
In a world often dominated by negative headlines, Jodie and Wayne Abrahams remind us of the simple power of love, care, and the bonds we carry with our families especially when life throws unimaginable challenges their way.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za