Watching devoted father Akinji Donaldson at work, caring for his son, one has little doubt that he is doing the right thing. Akinji Donaldson is clearly passionate about his son, 9-year-old Kimani Awad Ibben Daoud Donaldson, and that passion comes through in everything he does. In fact, watching them, it is almost hard to believe that Akinji Donaldson did not always have full custody of the child. In fact, Akinji Donaldson is celebrating his fifth year since winning custody of Kimani from Kimani’s mother.

When it turned out to have been five years, Akinji Donaldson can hardly believe it. “Time has certainly flown,” he says. “I guess it just goes to show you that when you have a loving relationship, like mine with my son, you don’t really notice the days going by. Every day is a new slice of joy.”

Akinji Donaldson won majority custody of Kimani after a court battle with the boy’s mother. Akinji Donaldson is reticent about the details of the custody dispute, hinting that Kimani is better off now but clearly not wishing to say anything incriminating about his son’s mother. “I am just proud to have him in my care,” Akinji Donaldson says, flashing a smile that clearly shows the truth of the statement.

Akinji Donaldson is a former semi-pro baseball player who retired several years ago, a time that coincided with his decision to raise Kimani on his own full time. “Children need a lot,” Akinji Donaldson says, “and I am lucky to be able to give Kimani the time and attention he deserves. I just hope he appreciates me and maybe does the same for me when I am old and need the help.”

Being a full time father leaves little time for Akinji Donaldson to have many hobbies, but he doesn’t mind. “Honestly, being a father is my hobby, as well. It’s a job, it’s a hobby, it’s everything.”

Kimani and Akinji Donaldson make a great pair, and there is clearly a strong bond between the two. It is probably no coincidence that this bond exists given the amount of time the two spend together.