There's a special kind of dad, the one who wears a braai apron like battle armour, flips chops like a samurai, and guards the LP gas cylinder like it is his firstborn. This one is for the fathers who don't just provide, they ignite.
Whether he is fixing the gas stove, topping up the gas just before loadshedding hits, or hosting a weekend braai that turns into a full-blown family reunion (even if it started as "just a few wors rolls"), these dads are the heart and heat of our homes.
The LP Gas Dad: The Man, The Myth, The Regulator
Some dads fix things. But LP Gas Dads? They power things.
From refilling the gas in the dead of winter so mom can still make tea during loadshedding, to teaching you how to light the braai safely without losing your eyebrows, these fathers are engineers, safety officers, and home heroes all rolled into one.
They've got:
- A sixth sense for when the gas is about to run out.
- A very real relationship with their local gas supplier (first-name basis).
- A deep, unwavering love for anything that can be grilled, smoked, or seared.
Braai Masters by Birthright
It is not officially a braai until Dad has:
- Declared the fire "not quite ready yet".
- Told everyone to "just wait five more minutes".
- Burnt at least one sausage "on purpose for flavour".
And when the tongs are in his hand, you know the meat is in good hands. There is just something magical about the way fathers braai. Each chop lovingly flipped, each skewer carefully basted, all while telling old stories with a Castle Lager in hand and a slightly exaggerated tale of "how we did it in the army".
The Sentimental Flame Behind the Fire
Beyond the smoke and the sizzle, what makes LP Gas Dads so special isn't just the practical things they do. It is the warmth they bring. They teach us:
- To always be prepared (because the gas runs out when you least expect it).
- That great food brings people together.
- That love looks like making sure there is always hot water, hot meals, and a warm fire waiting.
They don't always say it with words, but every time they check the gas levels, clean the skottel, or light the fire for us, they are saying "I've got you."
Raising a Toast to the Dads Who Braai and Provide
This Father's Day, or any day you see your dad with a gas cylinder in one hand and a set of tongs in the other, take a second to thank him. Not just for the perfect steak, but for being the flame that keeps the family warm, the one who shows up, heats things up, and keeps the fires burning, literally and figuratively.
To all the LP Gas and Braai Dads out there
You're more than providers, you are pitmasters, problem-solvers, and protectors of the flame. Here is to you, your braai skills, your gas know-how, and your big, warm hearts.
Now hand over the potato salad and let Dad tell his "how I saved the braai with only one match" story one more time. He's earned it.
