Love you Dad

There is a lot written and spoken about the selfless love a mother has for her child. I couldn't agree more on that. I really think it's true that God created mothers because He could not be everywhere.

On the other hand, I believe that fathers are not given the importance they deserve. Poor dad is always the one you turn to when faced with a problem, or a shortage of money, or when you need to take a major decision. Somehow, dad is not the first one you share your biggest joys with.

I guess I am at a stage where I can impartially view the behaviour of children towards their parents and parents towards the children. I am able to empathize with kids because I was there not too long ago. I am also able to see the viewpoint of parents as I grow older. I think men age faster than women in the mind, because of which, by the time a child reaches his teens, he is able to associate more with the mother. He feels a generation gap with his father.

But I do realise that a father is like the child's best friend. He is always there for you, without ever expecting anything in return. He lets you make mistakes, but cautions you when you are committing a blunder. He lets you fall and hurt yourself so that you get up stronger. All the while, he is like a silent spectator behind the scenes - simply wishing you well and praying for your good luck, but never making it known. He is the proudest man in the world when you achieve something and he is the most devastated when you face misfortune. Somehow, we never ever manage to understand a father's love. What's even worse is that we never express our feelings for our father. We always tell our mother how special she is, but we feel awkward saying the same to dad. I must admit, I have this same issue. I am never able to tell my father how much he means to me. I probably realise it myself when I talk to others about him.

I remember this poem that I read when I was a kid -

'Throughout my life, you've been a friend
A helping hand through thick and thin
And though at times I've been a bother
A guiding light has been my father'

I think these two lines capture the essence of being a father - being more like a beacon than the rudder. While I may find it difficult to tell him in person, I can always say this on my blog - I love my father very very much. He's been so special and so wonderful that I can only pray that I am born to him every time I come into this world. Love you dad!!!