The View from my Window

FATHER’S day

June 17, 2006 on 10:24 am | In Miscellaneous Musings!, Letter To Editors, Family/Self | Comments Off

                                                                                                                                       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 years the arrival my son, I have received priceless recognition as a father (hugs, kisses & that contented gleam in their eyes), which made living always meaningful and yes, affordable.

 
Apart from receiving a Special Illustrated Edition book (Angels & Demons) by Dan Brown as a Father’s Day gift this year, I am quite 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 traveling in India during February. Their move to the area is a transformation from the city lifestyle to countryside environment but also intrinsically signals care for our (parent’s) comfort and needs.
 
In my book, this is a 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 would 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.
 
Pravin Shah