I don't Know

I asked my dad a question the night before his 60 birthday during bedtime. Answer to the question made me realize the fact that life is as simple as we perceive.

In this evolving world, running against time and energy to match up to the so-called social standards, wearing new shoes in the role of a husband, taking the family reins of being the breadwinner and baby steps in balancing monthly expenses and savings, hope in heart and question in mind- I see this man smiling on his bed.

There was silence for about a minute in reminiscing his life for a flash time addressing the question.

While pressing his feet, having a casual chat I happened to ask him-"Dad, who was Lakshmana Rao a year before and what progression as a person you landed in as on the current day, share three points"

Holding a grin on his face he says "I don't know". The three words were full sentences spoken out of his experience. Adding to it he says-I now would like to spend a considerable amount of time to devote thy self at the feet of the Lord, silent and praying.

Hailing from suburbs of Guntur district born to a farmer in a family of 8, ranking number 6, his story is not less than a movie with twists, turns, adventures, risks, journeys, love, thriller, comedy, action, drama.... you name it, he lived it.

Be it walking 4 miles on foot through the prolific green paddy fields to school; losing home and seeking shelter in a temple for about half an year after hit by a cyclone; having single meal a day; working in the crop fields sowing; lifting a carrying pole to fetch water; bunking classes and watching his all time favourite hero NTR on big screen along with his friends; enjoying savouries in the evening on the road side coming back home; hand fracture meeting with an accident; migrating to Hyderabad in pursuing studies; bullied by fellow mates of being a Telugu medium guy; sleepless nights spent in gaining a government job; love story with a happy ending getting consensus from both the families; a month honey moon journey to all the southern states of the country back in 1980's when we do not have make my trip; serving postal department for 38 years; accomplished a common man dream of house constructed; raising two kids; providing us education; standing as a rock unmoved supporting the family in all possible means emotionally, morally and financially as a resting shoulder –says "I don't know".

Having surpassed insurmountable roadblocks in his life journey, clearing the path by his rich life experiences lived, taught me to have a safe drive. I learned to be a calculated risk-taker, be a man to respect woman, the art of decision making, to face the failures with gut, cherish the little success stories daily, being a big picture man, love unconditionally-no matter what, be the support system for the family and finally learned to accept-"I don't know".

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!