My dad

I am incredibly blessed. I grew up under the guidance and love of my dad. He was my lighthouse, my strength, my mentor. His love for me was unconditional.  The best gifts he has given me are his love, his strong moral values and my education. This faith he had in me has guided me in all my life decisions. How does one put into words to describe an adored father?

My father was an educator. Throughout my childhood, he impressed upon me the importance of education. I honestly don’t remember a speech or lecture about this. The way he lived his life was an example that I emulated sub consciously. One of my favorite memories in school are him telling me – “Grades don’t matter. It is more important to understand the concepts”. And he meant it! When my grades went low, he would ask me – “Do you now know the answers you missed?”.  If the grades went low in Math – then things happened! He will re-schedule his work travel and spend time at the dining table with my Math text book. 6 months later, I generally aced Math.  Note: The text book was only a reference. He used the text book to see what I am supposed to learn and then put the text book away. It was just him, a blank sheet of paper and a pen. He broke complex abstract Math concepts into meaningful pieces that made sense to me. I want to carry this forward and teach Kailash these skills.

My father showed me unconditional love. He took me everywhere – to painting competitions,  to meet architects when I was thinking of pursuing my B. Arch degree, to help with my final year project – I got to visit an institute in Allahabad as a case study. He encouraged me to pursue higher studies in the US. After my move to Redlands, our bond strengthened – we traveled together, we made new friends with the faculty at University of California Riverside, we had new adventures.

My father strong values – he stressed the importance of marrying a good person. I shared with my dad my wish to marry James.  He asked me “Can you tell me why you want to marry him? Is he a good man?”. The clueless 24 year old I was responded with “He loves Indian food”.  I still remember my dad’s booming voice says “Everyone loves Indian food”.  I am so glad that my dad and James got to know each other so well over the past 23 years. My dad gained a son in James.

I took it for granted that he would live forever. He will now live forever in my heart.