I am an octogenarian and in our time, we did not know there was something called “Father's Day” or “Mother's Day.” All we did was remember with grateful thanks our heavenly gifts in the form of parents.
But as a father myself, I am overwhelmed by the constant shower of love and affection I get from my daughters and their families, not only on Father's Day but on every possible occasion. It makes me feel, as the old song goes, I must have done something good, sometime, somewhere.
Ram Venkat,
Bangalore
My son read the articles on fathers in the Open Page (June 19) and apologised for not wishing me on Father's Day. I just smiled. As a father, I thought beyond just expressing love and affection. When my son was ready to study any subject, I encouraged him to do a professional course although I did not have money. When I could not get him a seat in a reputed engineering college, I wept silently but did not lose hope. I met the founder of the college and pleaded with him to reduce the fees. He understood my plight and gave my son an admission.
P. Selvaraj,
Chennai
I have two brothers. Although I was physically challenged, I was treated equally. My father gave me good education and taught me how to face challenges in life. He sacrificed a lot for me. He is my role model, inspiration and hero.
Bhukya Varalakshmi,
Tiruchi
My father worked for honest police commissioners like F.V. Arul and R.M. Mahadevan and was highly respected for his honesty and pleasant manners. Never once he misused his influence for personal gain. I can still remember the joy of the whole family relishing the sumptuous ‘masala dosa' from Hotel Dasaprakash on his salary day. That was the only luxury we could afford.
My father did not leave any cash behind but left us heaps and tonnes of blessings — enough for generations to come.
M.J. Ruben,
Chennai
After reading the articles and letters on fathers, I am in a better position to notice the sacrifices my father makes. I am pretty overwhelmed with emotions and guilt because sometimes I don't listen to what he says but now I see a change in my attitude.
The bitter irony of life is that when a stranger helps us, we express our gratitude and remember him, but we take for granted the person who is ready to sacrifice his everything for our sake.
Shadab Husain,
Lucknow
I have a different story to tell. My father died in an accident almost 50 years ago. My elder brother was nine. My younger sister was born on the same night of my father's death. Our mother was strict and, sometimes, harsh but we knew it was for our good. At a much later stage, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Schiezo. Now, we are all well off but our mother could not enjoy life. When she passed away last month, I could not but silently thank god that she did not suffer much while dying.
Mothers who double-up as fathers deserve much more credit since they fight against all odds to bring up their children.
N Shriram,
Vijayawada
