Being a Father

'No' means 'No'. Kavita was stunned with these words of her father, as she stood there with her friend Rama. Actually, Kavita wished to enjoy a night out with her friends, but her dad was not so happy with that. Kavita's father had always been a strict figure. "You can wear whatever you wish, but it should not look vulgar", "You can go out and party with your friends, but not at night"..... He used to say. Because of this strict nature of her father, Kavita had a strong dislike for him. It's not just about Kavita. This is the story of every second child.

We, as children, fail to understand the worth of a Father. We fail to understand his significance in our lives. We fail to understand his sacrifice. We fail to understand that if a father says NO, it's for our well being. We fail to understand what it actually takes to be a father. We just fail to understand a father. 

Father.... Anyone can father a child, but being a father is totally different. It takes a good deal of commitment and sacrifice to be a father. If mothers are the symbol of love, then fathers are the epitome of security. We naturally feel secured when our fathers are with us. The guidance we get from them, the lessons of life we get to learn from them... Are hard to find anywhere else in the world.

A Father too works hard for us, but we never thank him. The efforts of a father often remain unappreciated. We do appreciate our mothers to let them know what they mean to us. We do keep on thanking her off and on, in so many different, innovative ways. Why can't we do the same for our fathers. Why can't we make them feel that they are special? Why..??

A father loves his children, but he doesn't know how to show it. A father sacrifices a lot for us, But never lets us know. He is Stern, But has a soft side too. He is affectionate, but pretends to be strong. He is supportive. He is a friend to us. A friend, who strongly disapproves of our misdeeds. We can say that he is a silent lover, a silent giver. A lovers who is seldom loved back. A giver who is never thanked.

There are children who don't have fathers. But then, there is a difference. Difference in the way those children are brought up. There is a huge negative impact on the children who grow up without a father. That protective shield, in form of a father, is missing in their lives. 

There is a very popular saying that the worth of a father is known only when he is gone. And here lies the irony. Whole life, a father keeps on earning, spending on kids and saving for kids. He always burries his feelings, his needs, so that our needs are fulfilled. But we are too busy to feel the warmth of his love. And when a father is gone, everything is gone. 

But, Let's not wait for that day. This Father's Day, Let's tell him that we value his sacrifice. Let's tell him that we have been loving him, as much as he did. Let's tell him that he is the pillar of our lives. Let's tell him that he's our hero. Let's make him feel special..

Happy Father's Day Papa. Love you lots.