26th of July, is celebrated as Parents’ Day.  I’m dedicating this to my late Father.

Dad, it’s been 27 years too long. You left without saying goodbye. I remember you were having your afternoon nap, with my little baby held securely in your arms…..both gently snoring. I didn’t want to disturb you, so I carefully lifted him away and went home. If I’d known that that was the last time I’d see you, I’d have woken you up to say “thank you for baby-sitting my boys”. I’d have said, “Thank you, for giving me life, for teaching me right from wrong, for correcting me in all my misdemeanours, (some not even mine!), for encouraging me to go on and never give up…..

I wish I had listened to you about my driving, but I was only 11 years old and I had almost landed us in the ditch, I’d have been an excellent driver by now…….. Thank you for teaching me my Arithmetic and Hindi (remember how you used to make me translate every word into English so that I’d understand the text?) sitting under the light in the verandah of our house in Jhansi. 

Thank you for being patient and kind and non-judgmental with all the various boyfriends I would bring home….I knew there were quite a few you did not approve of!  I’m happy that you liked the last one, who I knew I’d marry!  Come to think of it, you got on quite well, and no wonder, you both share the same birth day!!

Dad, you’d have been so proud of my boys, all grown up now……Your eldest grandson’s even married! (I wish you’d been there for his wedding. You’d have liked my daughter-in-law).  And the baby you’d last held in your arms? He’s all grown up too, a mariner.

I’m sorry for all the times we argued, and the times I resented you being right. I’d give anything to have you back here with us, so that I could tell you how much I love you and miss you, but I’m sure that you know all of this and are watching over us.

Thank you for being my Dad. Wishing you were here……..