I had written this article in 2006 – with so much interesting data in it . I had sent it to North Renfrew Times for publication . Here it is for posterity.

                                                                                                                                       2006 June 17

Father’s  Day

This  year  the Father’s Day for me is an extraordinary  reminder of  the joy  of being a father  especially when I am  at the cusp of retirement at a robust age of  67  ( working since 1962 in my chosen profession ,  without  much  of a  break.

Every year since my daughter was born and after four  (4) years  the arrival of my son , I have received priceless recognition as  a father (hugs, kisses  and that contented gleam in their eyes ), which made living always meaningful  and yes, affordable,

Apart from receiving a Special Illustrated Edition book ( Angels and Demons ) by Dan Brown as a Father’s  Day gift this year, I am tickled to recognize  a couple of intangible gifts  from the kids , which imparts deep satisfaction and innate happiness.

This year my daughter and son-in-law are moving to this area  from Toronto. They decided  on the move when my wife and I were travelling in India during February. Their move to this area is a transformation from the city lifestyle to countryside environment  but also intrinsically signals care for our (parent’s) comfort and needs .

In ny book , this is star-spangled  move as they come closer to us and thus results in us (seniors) not having to make a move to Toronto .  Our move to Toronto  would have been a very expensive one and also uprooting from many years  of imbibed Deep River flavour (and lifestyle) would have been traumatic.

My son completed his Masters degree from University of Toronto this year. We attended  his Graduation investiture  past week , which filled our heart with pride and immense joy. He also moved from a single room shared residence  to a comfortable  two-bedroom apartment .  He is moving on in his life , which is reassuring to us.

AS  a father, one wants to see one’s offspring progress well in life and take their place in society as useful and productive members . This year ,I see positive  changes in my kids’ lives .  This is the best gift  any father can have.

If my father had been alive he would be very proud . His life was an example of  hard work . taking any challenge that comes  his way, helping others at all times , trust all, of compassion but more so to be reliable .  One needs  to persevere in attaining goals and slog on even when success is elusive .  He was always caring and support us in our legitimate needs and wants .

I am relating the above feelings , which I am sure ,  many in our community would similarly have experienced  with their kids . Happy Father’s Day to all.