To dad, with love!

 

OFTEN, in this hard world of ours, it is seen that boys grow up to be men but it takes an extraordinary leap in character or trait to be a good father. To be a man, who would be a beacon to a child, needs an innate ability of perseverance and patience to mould a little one. When a man wears the crown of being a father, it’s more than just a responsibility to guide and shape a child. It’s a full-time job where one constantly reminds oneself that you are the person this child would look up to in life. The child will seek you in times of trouble, in times of joy, in times of want and in times of just being there as emotional support. A man might be a nobody amidst a crowd - a face no one will have a second glimpse at but for a child, this man (the father) is the most important person to be with. A child’s eyes sees everything in a father, hence his presence in their upbringing plays a pivotal role. And yet fathers as persons are less appreciated for their role. As if the responsibility of fatherhood was something that is needed to be done come what may. True.

 

But the feeling of being counted as the less significant parent is also real. It’s debatable but it cannot be discounted. Of all the days that we celebrate relationships, Fathers’ Day goes the quietest. A father gives it all. He’s expected to. Nothing less would do. That’s what fatherhood is. A father’s relationship with a child (especially sons), is usually not very expressive. And this is the reason children usually gravitate towards mothers, finding it easier to build a bond. One of the reasons why fathers are less emotional is – they have to portray themselves as the strong anchor in the family, the one who corrects and advises as the man of the house. But this is part and parcel of fatherhood. When children appreciate their fathers, it can bring forth a smile never seen before, an emotion not known to emanate from men.

 

And then as time goes by, fathers grow old and children grow up and it is here when as adults appreciation for our fathers is found. A greying man whose eyes have dimmed, maybe he is not in the best of health but the emotional support still stands strong. We might not say a thank you, but just being there and providing for that man who roughed it out for our better childhood, reflects children’s appreciation towards fathers. That strong pillar of the family needs a little reinforcement and they find it in their children. We might shy away from wishing Fathers’ Day to our dad but our bonds nevertheless remain strong. All we need to tell them is we are always there for them and that’s where they find solace. It's not much of an ask! Always there A father doesn’t ask for praise, nor does he wear his heart on his sleeve. He loves unconditionally, teaches through example and gives until there’s nothing left to give. He remains resolute through thick and thin; a silent guardian, a watchful protector and a hero.