BENGALURU: A father is every child’s first hero. But to me, you were also an alarm clock, chauffeur, and personal newscaster. You were doing multiple part-time jobs at once.
Fathers’ Day is just around the corner and I am 2,000 km away from you. I wish I could fly home and spend a lazy Sunday with you as you blast old Tamil songs out of that old cassette player of yours.
I know it is Fathers’ Day, and I am only supposed to say nice things, but I think we are both old enough to admit you weren’t so great to wake up to. I love you nevertheless.
I remember the time you taught me how to ride a bike. You let go within 30 seconds of my beginning to pedal. I fell the moment I realised you were not behind me. I disliked you that moment. But because of you, I now know no one will save me when I fall. You taught me to brush off the dirt, stand up again, and move, even when the palms are scratched and bloody and the knees are bruised blue. This is something that should be taught to all girls of three or four, and again when they are nine and 12 and 17. The lesson: Protect yourself, dry your tears, run fast, and be brave.
When the time came for me to start school, you added another task to your never-ending list. With every project I had and essay you proofread, you also became my personal tutor and editor. Although you’re always willing to help, you showed me I could solve problems by myself.
Whether it was a school play, choir performance, sporting event, graduation or any defining moment in my life, you are my biggest fan and take pictures at every step. Wherever I may end up, I hope I make you proud.
As much as I want to thank you, I want to apologise. Raising a teenage girl must be the toughest challenge a father faces. You went through that twice. And you have been doing it single-handedly for some time now. I apologise for giving you a hard time. I apologise for pointing out your bald spot. I apologise for poking fun at your beer belly, but the ‘dad bod’ is really in style now, so flaunt away.
I know we have never been touchy-feely, and I stopped calling you “Daddy” early, but I need you to know that you have deeply and significantly impacted my life. Most people in your life only get to call you friend, but I get the privilege of having your genes and calling you ‘Dad’.
Happy Fathers’ Day, from your troublesome, up-to-no-good daughter.
