Friday, June 13, 2008

To Dear Appa on Father's Day




















As Sunday is Father's Day and I am missing the presence of my dad here with me in US, thought this would be a good time to jot my thoughts on the occasion. Also, knowing that my dad reads my blog regularly, this is something he will enjoy reading, hopefully.

As an only child and a daughter, I am my dad's favorite and vice versa- he means the world to me, in every possible sense. As most daughters would agree, a father-daughter relationship is very special in its own way. My experiences with my dad have and continue to be the best cherished times of my life.

My dad was a small-scale business owner who ran his own factory and pursued his passion of working for himself. He was always known amongst family and friends for his strong decision making skills, easy to get along with personality and his simplicity. Unlike some fathers who don't play a role in their child's life, besides providing monetary support to the family, he played a significant part in sharing the burden of managing the home and raising me along with my working mother. I fondly remember my childhood and early school days when my dad would iron my uniform, polish my shoes, tie my laces and carry me to the rickshaw to take me to school. Also, my dad can cook and I adore him so much for his helping skills around the kitchen, he is an expert in making tea and is the one who makes the morning beverages for mom and me.

Appa is attached to his motorbike, since his Guindy Engineering college days when he had a Bullet, then a Java bike to his Hero Honda days which he had until recently. Growing up, he taught me to ride a bicycle, got me my first one in 5th grade, then taught me to ride a two-wheeler on his bike around the playground, got me my first "Sunny" in my 10th grade. I can't think of a time when I've asked or wanted something and he has denied it to me, sometimes, I guess that is why people think being an only child spoils you. He spent lots of money putting me through a self-financing engineering college and then funding me for the most part of my masters education in US.

Growing up during my teenage years, there were many a times when the two of us would get on the bike and go watch a night show movie or go to the ice cream parlor. He would talk about his college days and all the fun he had hanging out with his buddies, my dad was a cool guy at college and still is a cool type to me. What is interesting is, that we share a lot of common interests- like we both love listening to similar music-both filmi and classical, have similar food favorites and even think alike in many situations.

Appa is very religious minded and spends his days now listening to religious discourses, music concerts and reading voraciously. A staunch believer and follower of hindu customs who taught me everything I know about upholding values. I only wish that I could proudly say that I take after my dad in all ways, but, that would not be entirely true. He raised me like a son, giving me ample freedom (though he didn't like any of my male friends) and put his trust on me.

Wishing him A Happy Father's day and to his health and well being. Thank you for everything you've given me- you are the best.


"A Father Just Like You" by Anonymous

"I just want you to know
you mean the world to me,
Only a heart as dear as yours
would give so unselfishly.

The many things you've done,
all the times that you were there,
helps me know deep inside
how much you really care.

Even though I might not say,
I appreciate all you do,
Richly blessed is how we feel
having a father just like you."

10 comments:

Cham said...

awesome relationship Mitr, well one child is always pampered :)Happy Father's day To your Dad!

Laavanya said...

What a heartwarming post about your dad.. he is very cool! My dad is quite similar too in helping my mom with cooking and cleaning and bringing me up to be very independent.

Spillay said...

Happy Father's Day to your dad! I'm sure he is as proud of you as you are of him :)

(For some reason Father's Day here in Australia is in September...)

Uma said...

lovely post, Mitr! you have a wonderful dad! Happy Father's day to all the dads! Have a great weekend.

na_an said...

How sweet :-) I am sure your dad is very proud of you and yeah, the relationship between father-daughther is indeed very special and so so close to heart...I miss my dad a lot more after reading this post. My dad is as doting and loving like yours, but he does not know the ABCs of kitchen..my mom spoiled him. I will not repeat that mistake with my hubby though ;-)
Also, my dad selects most of my clothes and earrings..people find it funny that he does and not my mom...

Friendly Stranger said...

Wonderful...........
Happy fathers day to all dads......
I'm sure he would cherish this post forever....
Happy blogging!

mitr_bayarea said...

Cham- thanks...

Laavanya-that is great to know that ur dad is like that too.

Spillay- That is news that Father's day in Australia comes in Sept...

Uma-thank you.

Na_an- thanks for sharing that about ur dad..I too go for shopping with my dad many times and prefer his selection.

Friendly_stranger- thank you.

Ponnarasi Kothandaraman said...

That was indeed a very sweet and lovely post :) Naanum last fathers day ku oru post poten..intha thadava maranthu poiten :((

Laksh said...

Very sweet. I meant to comment the day you posted this but never got around to it. Catching up now :)

mitr_bayarea said...

ponnarasi and Laksh- thanks....