Thank You and Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Nanna....

There is nobody that has as strong an effect on our lives than our parents do. From the time we are born, we learn from them. They are the people who bring us into the world and help us continue to live in it with as few problems as possible. In this world of broken and bruised parental relationships, I am very fortunate to have loving parents who look out for me and my every need.

Today, on the occasion of my father’s birthday, I want to send him a message, and what better way to do it than this blog? My father is a remarkable person, and I don’t need to be his daughter to know this- everyone that crosses paths with him does. He is full of serious, profound and deep philosophical and ethical thoughts and, at the same time, full of nonsensical baby talk and silly joyfulness. He is an avid reader with choices spanning genres and styles. He is known for his eclectic selection of books, ranging from Salman Rushdie and Daphne DuMaurier to Yuval Noah Harari. He is a massive art history buff- his interest is clearly demonstrated by the spark in his eyes every time he sees a work of art he appreciates, especially something with a deep meaning into which he can delve, giving him a soft spot for modern art, specifically Kandinsky. He is in software by profession, and there isn’t a technological problem at home that he can’t solve, whether it is an issue with a laptop or the washing machine. He plays the guitar and does so with the utmost patience and joy. He loves sports more than I can ever say in one article- tennis, auto racing, cricket, football, all Olympic Sports and many more. His cries of elation when his favourite teams or players do well can only be matched by his disappointment and anger when something goes wrong with them. He cooks well- his omelettes are a favourite at home. He is a big fan of music, particularly rock and alternative, his favourites being Pink Floyd, Radiohead and other such artists. However, he also explores classical music with an admirable openness and excitement. He learns Japanese on Duolingo with so much joy and excitement in learning new words and phrases, that he got us into learning a language too.

If everything I have already stated above does not prove that he is a remarkable person, maybe the fact that he is probably the best father a person could have will. He is one of the most supportive and considerate people I know. He has never failed to help me when I needed it, and honestly, even when I didn’t need it. A few examples…

Once in Class 4, I had to submit an art project after my October holidays. I procrastinated and procrastinated, and before I knew it, it was the last day of the holidays and I had not started. When everyone else was angry with me for putting it off, he sat with me and helped me draw and paint for the project, and on the next day, I had the best project in my whole class.

Once when my brother downloaded a virus onto a laptop by mistake while trying to check football scores, we went to him at 2:30 a.m. in the night. We woke him up and when he heard wat had happened, he set to work with determination and did this and that on the computer until the crisis had been averted. We all slept soundly that night.

He is the reason I passed Maths. I do not naturally possess a liking for math, and therefore, hated and dreaded studying it. He sat with me day after day, after work and before, trying to help me through it. We fought, he got frustrated, I got frustrated, I cried many times, but he never stopped helping me and he never will. One night he stayed up until around 3 a.m. to help me finish a project (naturally, due the next day).

He has always been very enthusiastic about the things my brother and I have picked up- if we listen to a song and tell him about it, he will surely listen to it. He takes us seriously, and that is the best thing possible. He never lets us feel inferior because of our age.

My father is one of the best people in the world- I am very sure of this. He is fair and kind, but still tough with us when he needs to be. He is just a great person to be around, with an infectious laugh and never-ending conversation. He was the first subscriber to this blog, and never fails to like and comment on each post, though, in reality, we live in the same house, and he could just as easily tell me what he thinks. He is supportive and considerate. He is disciplined and determined. He is not just my father, but also my friend and biggest cheerleader.

Thank you for everything!! We love you, Happy Birthday!