To all the fathers, father figures and the ones who have taken their places in their absence-
Being a father must be the hardest job you have ever had, but the one that you love to do.
As kids, we look up to you as our superhero- our daddy strongest! That you are strong, smart, witty, can build anything out of anything and fix anything. Make us ‘fly’ just by carrying us and zooming past, give us rides on your backs and make awesome seats for us on your shoulders- so that we can see past any crowd or have the highest views we have known of. Be around us always to play with us, make us laugh, amaze us with wonderful magic tricks, tell us stories that make us imagine every animated detail and the unforgettable characters. Teach us – be it school stuff or riding a bike, or flying kites, or to swim or any of the numerous life’s hacks. We wait for the fun trips that we get to go with you, even if it is just to parks or playgrounds.
While we grow up things may change, we may not spend much time with you or find your jokes funny. We may keep things from you. We may gratefully take your advice, take it but not acknowledge it, take it saying that it matches with what we were planning to do anyway, or ignore you; but we always remember what you tell us, we cherish the moments you spend with us and as a family.
In all the different walks of life, your care and concern for us, may be mistaken for being strict or unyielding or stubborn; your love may not be shown or go unseen, but we remember and treasure all the moments that you spend with us, showering us with love, being around for us-guiding, supporting the family at all times, being our role models, teaching us things, not just the ones you specially took time out for us, but all the other stuff we learn looking at you, from you, as you go on about your own journey of life.
We are grateful and we love you for all that you do for us, our love might go unspoken too, but there is always a special place in the heart for our father. We miss them when they aren’t around us, when they have gone away from us. We can never forget the things they love- it may be their favourite book, song, dance, music, instrument, bike/car, food or their very own recipe; and more importantly we remember all those moments that are difficult to miss, the moments when they bring happiness to the family, in ways only fathers can do.
