Happy Father's Day

I am not a daddy's boy, I can tell you that. I was not close to my dad for as far as I can remember. That's dad at the center of the picture. Dad used to show his affection and appreciation to me (my brothers called me the apple of my parents eyes) by bringing me to places like his office, the control tower of the airport (yes, I was actually inside the tower where they control the air traffic), his boss's house and practically every chances we get to go for a round of 'sasau kai fan' at the nearest gerai mi sup in town.

Naturally, as I grow older, dad and I were able to discuss things like politics, races-relation, history and very often about my academics. Dad was very proud when I managed to get a place in USM. I remembered he didn't show any emotions on the day that they sent me off to Penang. I can still remember it clearly. Because we have no car, and the flight was at 5.00 am in the morning, mom and dad decided to camp up with me at the airport. It was uncomfortable, sleep hardly came and the benches were like, well, benches...But the memory sticks with me to this day.

When I graduated, dad wasn't around to see it. It was his dream of course, and the biggest regret in my life was that he was not around to see me received my scroll. To this very day, I can't help but feel remorse about this. As he laid in a coma in the hospital, I was told by mom that earlier he had been looking for me. He was swollen all over, a bit thin and his moustache unkempt (just like what dad is used to). Hands were cold and no voices ever came up to greet me or to offer me any last words. And that was my second biggest regret ever. That I was never able to say goodbye or even any words at all. That he is gone and will never ever spoke to me again.

He had his flaws of course. But I just can't see that anymore throughout the last few months that he had. Mom said he was a changed man, different from before. I used to say to mom, that dad will never change, but mom just said "Keep praying for your dad, he will change". And true enough, he did, and in a big way. And for those last few months, I thank God for showing me the real dad. I understood now, why mom fell in love with him in the first place, and why mom stood by him through all those turbulent years. And the image of the uncaring, unsober and neglecting dad changed, and what remains with me is, how wonderful a person he is.

Now, everytime people celebrate Father's Day, I remember dad deeply. I look around me, and I bless God for everyone who still have their fathers around. As they say, you will know how precious the person is to you when he is gone. But I thank God for helping me to see a glimpse of a great man and a great person.

Happy Father's Day to all dads. Viva Papa!