Dad, in you I see the effortless commitment of immense love and care…….
From taking her first step as a baby to kanyadhan within the wedding mandap, a beloved girl remembers the man who molded her to be what she is today.
Dearest Pa,
Writing a letter in today’s times appears to be slightly quaint how penning down words seem easier either due to loss of words or failing to find the time or place to tell you how much you mean to me. No number of words are enough to express my feelings for you Pa; but all I can tell you is my love for you is everlasting, sincere, and genuine. In this special letter, Pa, you’ll find, at least in part, the feelings that the passing years have left in my heart. They are the fond memories of my childhood days and all that you did to make my growing up years fun and meaningful in our happy home.
I always feel and have felt your ceaseless presence in my life—the days, weeks and years during which you have fathered me like a rhythmic and steady heart beat, never ever missing a beat. Several are the roles you have played –that of a play companion, hero and mentor. How can I ever forget our long walks together, those confidential chats and the card games we played together, which was nothing but fun. You never use to voice your feelings that easily like Ma and never chaperoned me from one class to another but yet I could always feel your influence and strong presence next to me.
I now realize the true breadth and depth of your presence and I relive the moments for which you were there, no matter the sacrifice of work, leisure, or sleep. My love for you will never cease as the immense comfort; the invaluable guidance and constant encouragement that I have received from you throughout my growing up years has made me a woman having a standing in society today.
You are not only my dad but my mentor and best friend too. You are my rock and my role model. I know I can always count on you in every ugly situation I get into. Though you display a tough exterior devoid of emotions, I now realize that it your way to discipline me.
Now I am in that stage of life wherein I am able to visualise reasons for your being strict with me at times and understand that it was all for my own good. I no doubt used to feel very upset those days. It is only because of you that I can now judge what is good or bad for me.
You are responsible for laying a strong foundation in my life for which I will be ever grateful. The manner in which you have way you have always encouraged and motivated me, and guided me through the ups and downs of my journey is truly remarkable. If not for your guidance I will be like a ship without a sail. I remember with tears brimming in my eyes the umpteen numbers of things that I have broken and that which you had mended with a smile on your face; the books you read aloud and the meals we shared.
I have countless father-daughter memories to cherish for a lifetime and I am thankful to you for all those memories and the time which we spent together, which always proved to be an unforgettable experience. These memories are deeply etched in my heart.
It feels as though it was just yesterday and I remember your taking me to shop for a car when I was in the university. Somehow I thought this would be a long and careful process, but on the first lot, we found a car that we both liked and after a test drive, your words still echo in my ears, “What say you my little girl? “
On seeing me nodding my head, immediately you uttered,” We will go ahead and buy it, are you happy?”
Truthfully, I didn’t feel ready, and I had no idea how the process even worked, but you walked me through it and by the end of that day, I had a car of my own and the freedom to match. The message was, “Leap, little girl. You are lot more ready for this step than what you think.”
Few years later, you accompanied me to the shaadi mandap, squeezed my hand and blinked back tears and you couldn’t say a word. I could read your mind and heard your inner voice telling me, “My princess it’s time to start your family. My love for you is immeasurable. I love you sweet heart.”
Pa, you always goaded me to work hard and never give up till I attained my goal. I am now following your words diligently. I now realize that behind every great daughter is a wonderful father like you! Your tremendous belief in my capabilities and potential is like tonic for me every single day. On turning back the clock and visualizing all those wonderful moments that I spent with you, I fully understand that life could not have been more than what it is today. I see in you a robust man of conviction. I am trying my best to follow your footsteps and emulate some characteristics of yours so I can be a role model to others as you are to me. The one man that always encouraged me to reach for the stars is you.
Your immense faith and utter confidence in my abilities, and your unswerving support have removed several obstacles in my life. And there are many more mountains left to move. So do not think even for a moment that your job is done! No words are enough to express my thanks for your unstinted support and constant love that you have showered on me all these years. It means a world to me. You never have and will, I am sure, stop playing your part of being an excellent Dad. I need you more than ever. Thank you Dad, for lifting me when my spirits are low and for providing me wings to fly.
You will forever be God’s best gift to me. With the passing of time and age advancing by the day, I know for sure that whatever my age, I will always be your little princess.
Love you to the moon and back,
Always your little princess,
Gudiya
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