As I reminisce about my childhood, the most precious momentsare those spent with my father. He taught me everything I needed to know – toride my bike, stand up for myself, fix a flat tyre, manipulate mum, use a powerdrill and cheat at Ludo, amongst many other things. Each memory is filled withlaughter.
In the grimmest of situations, he would find a light moment.He always had something witty to say and could make even the sternest of peopleburst into peals of laughter. His escapades left us in splits. He was the lifeof every party, the crowd puller and more importantly he was my hero. He was ahands-on dad and most decisions concerning family and home were made by him.
My relationship with my father was special. He was my friendand my confidant. He was the string that bound our family together. Dad was theChief Financial Officer of a leading investment company in Kuwait, while we,his family, lived in Goa. The distance made our hearts fonder and the bondsstronger. Dad came home during his annual summer breaks and he always plannedhis holiday to ensure that he never missed my birthday. To this day mumreiterates, “Christmas is when your Dad is home”.
Four years ago, Dad was diagnosed with cancer. The doctorsgave him a few months to live. Every moment was precious and we wanted more ofhim. It took us time to come to terms with what had hit us, but Dad prepared usfor the worst. The cancer plagued his body but could not kill his spirit. Hebraved his way through the chemotherapy with a smile. He did not let hisillness overwhelm him and went about life as if nothing had changed. He plannedour last holiday together. We made most of what we had left (which was not toomuch) by going on road trips, playing games and watching movies together. Hetook me shopping to buy a dress to wear to his funeral and even planned hisfuneral details. As the days passed, his health deteriorated and we watchedhelplessly as he slowly slipped away.
I know he will not be there to walk me down the aisle, tospoil his grandchildren and to grow old with mum but I know he will always bethere in spirit to guide us through life. The void that he has left behind cannever be filled because I know there can never be another him. I know that if Ineed him I can close my eyes and he will be there; I know he will guide methrough life’s troubles. I hope that I can be at least half the wonderfulperson that he was; to imbibe his values into my children and to live life kingsize like he did. I was and always will be Daddy’s little girl.
Samantha is Assistant Manager, Finance, in a pharma researchcompany
