This is a post I did on Father’s Day two years ago. Here it is with minor modifications because sentiments remain the same…
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Today is the 100th Anniversary of Father’s Day and though I feel that most of these days are just commercial gimmicks meant to boost the sales of the greeting card companies, I like this one. I think fathers are very special. They are not as overt in showing their love as moms are. As a provider, their traditional role in the family was that of a disciplinarian — stern and tough and very rarely letting their sentimental sides shine through. And, they most certainly are not cherished or celebrated the same way as mothers are. A little unfair, I’d say. I love my dad and I am close to him like most daughters are.
As a child when growing up, he was a figure we respected more out of fear than love. A stern look from him would see us siblings hiding for cover :). I remember that he hardly ever raised his hand on us. He was this person I idolized for his intelligence, his organized ways, his charisma and so craved his recognition, his attention. I was always a very good student at school, and my father was never lavish with his praise. So, even a small word said by him or a word which I thought he had said would make me feel on top of the world. Such was his aura.As we were growing up, I began to appreciate his other more subtle qualities. He always listened to our opinions. We would be a part of all the family decisions. He made us very independent and allowed us a lot of leeway in terms of making our career choices, allowing us to go for camps, hardly ever questioning us inordinately. Though I would have liked some more guidance and hands-on parenting at that time.
He somehow made me feel important, like an adult – able to make my own decisions! And, all through my life when I turn to him for an opinion or an advice, I can be sure that it would be level headed and balanced. He does not enforce his views or opinions but at the same time makes compelling arguments. A very rare quality to have ! I have imbibed a lot of values from him – his sincerity, dedication, hard work, his passion for reading and writing, and his health consciousness among others, but I am more open and social just like my mother. As I have grown older, I have grown closer to him. There is never a backslapping relationship possible, but there is immense respect. He truly is a pillar of strength in my life. One very important lesson he taught me was to never compromise my self-respect. If I am a strong, confident, self-respecting woman today, it is because of the balanced upbringing that my parents gave us. On this Father’s Day, I would like to say thank you to him for being such a wonderful father and such a decent and honest human being. He rarely preached, but the way he led his life has infused great values in us because actions speak louder than words. I can say it on behalf of all three of us siblings – Thank you Papa, We love you very much!
Rachna says 
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