Celebrating Father's Day

Recently I went shopping to our local Sadar Bazaar for the regular groceries when I saw a poster screaming at me "21st June Is Father's Day!"

With a four year old tugging at my hand and trying to get me interested in the ice cream that he wanted, I passed the poster by quickly. It was only when I got home and had pushed everything back in the cupboards that they belonged that I got back to thinking about it.

Father's Day

It was not a common concept way back when we were growing up, at least not in India. I think the first time I actually got my dad a father's day card was after the Hallmark boom in the 1990s.

And I remember his "Why are you wasting money" look when he opened it. Yet I think he was pleased with it all the same. After that I must admit I have never been a regular card giver or wished him each Father's Day.

His birthday is also an occasion he hates being made a fuss about. Yet we used to love to do something special for him, my mother and I. It just was our way of saying thank you to him for the wonderful person he is.

I don't need Father's Day

I feel blessed to have a wonderful Dad who has always helped me give my best to the world. He prepared me for life in little ways that I never even realised he had done it. I was running errands and chores when I was still in school that married women find tough to handle even today.

He made me independant. He gave me support. I truly feel that despite my mother's protective nature he managed to let me try out my wings. I had strong roots, it was the wings he let me flutter. I have a lot to thank him for. Not the least of which is the laptop I am typing this out on. This too was a gift from him.

I love you Dad!

I don't need Father's day to give me permission to say it to you. Hope you have a long and healthy life, so I may always have you to turn to for advice.