The above advertisement does make you go Awww, doesn’t it? Fathers are our pillars of strength. Traditionally the breadwinners in our families, they left the mothering to the moms. I can’t help but think back about my own dad. My early relationship with him was a little distant. He was quiet and very particular about discipline. With mom, it was different. We could hug her, trouble her, and disobey her all in good spirit. We could also joke around with her and hug her all we wanted. However, dad was the disciplinarian. As soon as he came home from work, the three of us would maintain calm and silence.
He was a reassuring presence in the family. I remember that he helped me with Maths problems though I would only approach him when all other recourses were exhausted. He wouldn’t hug us or guide us or advise us. I distinctly remember an incident when my brother and I were playing outside our Apartment in Mumbai with some other kids in the area close to the lift. Before leaving for his walk, dad warned us to go home as it was getting late. But, we being kids, continued to play right uptil he came home. Incidentally, another girl and I tripped and scraped our hands. The other girl’s father came and comforted her and applied some medicine. Dad immediately got mad at me for not having gone home when he told me to. He paid no attention to my pain or bruise. His words of admonishment hurt much more than the real wound. At that time, I remember feeling distinctly, “Why couldn’t he be like that friend’s dad?”
A father is someone you look up to, no matter how tall you grow!
Of course, I saw his sterling qualities and democratic approach in the family much later in life. He had also opened up and become more friendly. He loved his daughters and supported us through thick and thin. I saw how fair, honest and responsible he was. Those who have been reading my blog would know that he is the person who inspires me the most in life.
Isn’t that how dads are? I see my own husband. He is a very hands-on father, much more approachable to the kids, more demonstrative in his affection yet a stickler for discipline with them.
Look around and you will find a lot of doting dads taking quiet pride in their sons and daughters, egging them on while not being as expressive as their partners. They are our silent crusaders. They are the pillars we go to when our world seems to be in a mess aware that they will set it right no matter how difficult. While moms anchor a family, fathers are the glue that strengthen the bond quietly and unobtrusively putting their strength and integrity behind the wellbeing of their family. They may not say it so often, but their actions tell you of their love.
#GreatDad
Here’s my toast to my #GreatDad, to the dad of my kids and to all the wonderful fathers out there who are often unsung heroes.
Fathers are indeed our pillars of strength. Nicely done 🙂
Thanks, Maniparna. 🙂
No matter if they appear distant or less demonstrative, fathers indeed are the pillars of support along with the mothers. Just the one being a support is not enough for a child to feel secure and confident. And yes, they become more mellow and openly affectionate with their children as they grow older, but more with the their grandchildren making us wonder where he learnt all that!!
Oh yes, he is so patient with Gautam and Sid. He never was with us. That is heartwarming to see. And now with his granddaughter he is molten dough. He just adores her. 🙂
That’s quite a love-filled post, Rachna. I always was and still am my Dad’s daughter 🙂 It is a very special bond, and so many times I have been amazed at the fact that he so deeply understands whatever it is that might be going on with me without my even mentioning it. With my mother I connected much later in life, I mean really connected, as a woman to woman. But with my Dad, it has always been very special even when I was a little girl.
I am Papa’s girl too. I feel daughters are very close to their dads. The best part about my dad is how rational and mature he is. He related to me as a friend from very early on. Mum passed away when I was just married. Missed her a lot when I had my kids and even now. I’ve heard that daughters bond better with mums after marriage. Thanks for reading, Beloo.
I had a childhood similar to yours. Dad was distant and mom was close. Though I know now that he loves me, I still wish sometimes that he was more open and expressive about it, especially during my childhood.
Yes, I can understand, Swathi. I wished the same when I was younger.
A wonderful post! Thanks Rachna.
Thanks, Rajeev.
Beautiful post … Dads are super I agree 🙂
Thanks, Jaish. 🙂
A beautiful and warm post about your dad. My mom was strict yet fussy about me while my Dad was more expressive about his affection and encouragement, never failing to stand behind me.
That sounds wonderful. Thanks for reading, Rajlakshmi.
I can relate to this post, Rachna. Been very close to Dad and flexible with me. We shared lil secrets and Mom was the one welding the discipline baton:)
Heart warming post:)
Haha Your case was the opposite to mine. Thanks, Vishal.
This is such a heartwarming ad! True, fathers are the best. With their silence and actions, they teach so much!
Yes, they do. Thanks, Shilpa.
Such a sweet post. 🙂
Thanks. 🙂
Well written, Rachna 🙂
Lovely quotes too. We have fond memories of our dads.
May God bless our dads & may every child get her/his dad’s love.
Thanks, Anita. Amen to that thought.
Nice post. Good tribute to fathers. We all have lot of things we owe to our parents. I am still wondering what kind of father I am going to be – I just don’t see myself fitting any of the father stereotypes – hope my son does not grow up cursing – “Drat! this fellow is not a proper father at all.”
I am sure you will do just fine. We all discover our way through our parenting journeys. And fathers of today are much more demonstrative in their affection, even less strict.
What a way to start a new day by reading an eulogy to a father! Beautiful, Rachna!
Thank you, Rahul. Can never thank the parents enough. After all, we are what we are because of them. Thanks for your warm words.
I was my Daddy’s girl, guess, I still am. He still thinks of me as his 8 year old daughter who needs to be pampered with ice-creams and chocolates 😀
A very touching, straight from the heart piece, Rachna.
Sounds lovely, Purba. Glad you liked the post. It was heartfelt.
What can I say, you know well how I feel about my dad…Dads are the pillars of our strength…Here’s to Dads! 🙂
Here’s to them!
BLess you Rachna .. thank you for this beautiful post .. brought so many memories to me too.. I can understand where you coming from in your post, I also remember the Comment you had written on my post for fathers day years ago.. and it is such a coincidence I just posted something ..
DAD’s are the best… as they say
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.
Take care Rachna ..
Thanks, Bikram. Fathers are so conplex and special.
Your love for your dad shines through this post
Thanks. I guess it does.
Dads are like that. I remember reading that post.
P. S. Love the snow flakes on your blog. 🙂
Thanks, Saru. 🙂
Beautiful post Rachna and very close to my heart. I lost my Dad but he still lives on inside me. Can never forget the warmth of his hands when he held mine while crossing so many roads in life.
So true, Asha. They are always around holding our hands and guiding us. Thanks for reading!
Very nice post Rachna.. yes they are the silent crusaders and truly the pillars of strength 🙂
Thanks, Kokila.
Lovely post..
My dad is my superhero.. I watched a video on dads and sons and I totally loved
it. If you love your dad, watch it- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd_gbV66lUI
Thanks, Priyanka.
Couldn’t agree with you more.
My daughter is there to say exactly those words.
Daughters love their dads.
Beautifully Written and so much truth about great dads!
Thanks so much, Kaushik!