A Poem for Papa As I commemorate the first anniversary of my father’s passing, on 27th July 2024, I wrote a poem to honour his memory and profound impact on my life.
In Quiet Sacrifice
In silent strength, you stood by me,
A pillar tall, a guiding tree.
Your dreams, unspoken, tucked away,
To light my path, to pave my way.
In every laugh, in every tear,
Your presence felt, your love sincere.
I never knew the dreams you bore,
The silent hopes, the hidden core.
Now as I stand, a tearful eye,
I wish I’d asked, I wish I’d tried,
To know the man behind the role,
To touch the depths, to see the soul.
In quiet sacrifice, you gave,
Your every wish, a silent wave.
I honor now, the man you were,
In every breath, your love, a spur.
As I reflect on the past year since my father’s passing, a deep sense of regret fills my heart. I never took the time to truly know him beyond his role as my father and provider. I never asked him about his dreams, aspirations, or the goals he once held close to his heart. I never inquired about his childhood, his personal triumphs, or the struggles he faced. I only saw him as the strong, unwavering figure who supported our family, not realizing that he was so much more—a man with his own hopes, desires, and stories. Now, I am left with an ache of unspoken words and missed opportunities to connect with the incredible person he was.
A message to all those who still have their fathers with them.
Cherish and Celebrate
Our fathers are more than the roles they play. They are dreamers, achievers, and individuals with their own unique stories. Let us cherish and celebrate them not just for what they give us, but for who they are. Let us break the silence, bridge the gap, and engage in the conversations that truly matter. It’s never too late to start, and every moment counts.
In loving memory of my father, I strive to be the person who asks, who listens, and who honors the silent sacrifices of those we often take for granted. May we all find the courage to speak, to listen, and to appreciate the profound love that shapes our lives.
Growing up, we often perceive our fathers as the providers, the disciplinarians, and the protectors. Rarely do we see them as individuals with their dreams, aspirations, and vulnerabilities. Only with the passage of time, and sometimes with the irretrievable loss, can we begin to comprehend the depth of their sacrifices and the unspoken love that shaped our lives.
The Silent Sacrifices
As children, we tend to take our fathers for granted. We see the comfortable life they provide as our right, not realizing the countless sacrifices they make daily. My father was no different. He dedicated his days to ensuring our family had everything we needed. His finances, efforts, and dreams were all directed towards our upbringing. He gave us the best education, the most cherished memories, and the love that often went unspoken.
Regret of Unspoken Conversations
Now, as I reflect on the times we shared, I am filled with a deep sense of regret. I never took the time to talk to my father as a person. I never asked him about his dreams, his aspirations, or his achievements. I never learned about his childhood, his struggles, or his joys. There was always an unspoken barrier, a silent understanding that fathers are to be respected from a distance, not to be questioned or probed.
Honouring Fathers in Everyday Conversations
To all the children out there, take a moment to break down those barriers. Talk to your fathers. Ask them about their dreams and aspirations. Learn about their struggles and achievements. Show them that you respect them not just as providers but as individuals with their own stories and experiences.
Here are a few ways you can start those meaningful conversations:
1. Ask About Their Childhood:
Learn about their upbringing, their favorite memories, and the lessons they learned growing up.
2. Inquire About Their Dreams:
What were their aspirations when they were your age? What goals did they have, and how did they evolve over time?
3. Discuss Their Achievements:
Celebrate their successes, both big and small. Understand the hard work and dedication that went into their accomplishments.
4. Share Your Life:
Open up about your own dreams and struggles. Seek their advice and wisdom. Let them know they are an integral part of your life.
5. Express Gratitude:
Regularly express your gratitude for their sacrifices and efforts. Let them know that you see and appreciate everything they’ve done for you.
Writing this blog post has been a deeply emotional journey for me, and I hope it inspires you to connect with your fathers on a deeper level. Remember, every conversation, every moment shared, is a tribute to the love and sacrifices of the incredible men we call our fathers.
Dear bhabhi
I feel your love pain regret ,
Let’s cherish our living relations
Tomorrow is not promised I am lucky that we heard ,so much about dad , chachaji,dadaji and family ,yet there will always be a part that’s undiscovered,unveiled
Dear Rani, very true! there will always be a part that’s undiscovered n unveiled.