Dearest daddy,
Happy Father's Day in heaven! It's been 32 years since you left us and the day was even sadder because you departed on your wedding anniversary. Well, Mom's there up with you now.
As I write this, the memories come tumbling out. My tall, burly, genial dad sporting his signature crew cut and khaki trousers riding his red and white Lambretta always a song on his lips and a smile for all. Your good humour cheered many. That Lambretta scooter gave me rides to school, church and college. Those were good days, Dad. Ah dad, you had the pleasure of signing the report cards when they were all bright and shining. Poor mom, she was given the dirty work!
You loved your darling wife, son and daughter to bits. To you, Mom was the best chef in the world but Dad sorry to say, your little girl doesn't much care for the kitchen. Ha Ha. By the way, I have inherited your booming voice which works to my advantage and disadvantage. It came in handy when the boys were young. 😆
You taught us well, Dad. Generous to a fault,(in spite of being taken for a ride once too often) you taught us to be humane and honest in our dealings. We strive to live by the values you inculcated in us but life is tough and we may falter. Spirituality and academics were high on your list of priorities and I am eternally grateful for that. Hell or high water, the daily family prayer had to be recited and we went out to play only after homework was done.
About that spanking...well, you certainly did not believe in sparing the rod and spoiling the child...Till today, I don't have a clue as to why I shed those copious tears all the way to school in that rickshaw. I was just 3. The rickshaw wallah was at his wit's end. Post his complaint to you, I never shed a tear.
Dad your protectiveness which bordered on overprotectiveness irked me immensely then. When I look back today, I chuckle. However, you were a hands-on dad. You were always there guiding and mentoring my brother and me as we made the transition from child to teen to adult. You introduced me to the world of books and I cannot thank you enough for that. You hollered at me for talking too long on the phone. You were so proud of me, though I didn't have much to offer.
We missed you at our weddings and you missed seeing all 6 grandsons. Dad, you're in our hearts forever.
Love you, Dad,
Marietta
This post is part of the Blogchatterbloghop prompt.
Good to know about such people who are memorable in their own unique ways.
ReplyDeleteSuch a heartwarming letter to your dad, Marietta. We often understand their emotions behind setting rules on us later in life. But realize one thing that whatever we are today is because of their moulding.
ReplyDeleteGreat memories of you about your father. Thank you for sharing them with us.
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