Dad

One of the most precious words in my dictionary is the word Dad. I have been blessed with an amazing Dad. There is really no one on earth who can compare to him in my life. The one man in my life who has made me who I am and who has contributed the most for my welfare is my father. Here are some ways my Dad is so precious to me:

- From Dad I learnt to love nature. Even today when I go home, we go out in the fields and Dad will take time to show me all the different things that are growing there. He loves Animals too.

- I have clear mental pictures of Dad struggling so that I can have a good future. I remember him bending to lift me up, one dollar at a time, one prayer at a time. He had to let go of me early so that I can get a better education. I remember him asking people (humbling himself) to support me through schooling.

- My Dad totally believed in me. As a child I grew up thinking that I could be anything I wanted to be- even an astranaut or a doctor because my dad had a firm belief in me- that I could accomplish anything.

- During Dinner times in our family, one of our favourite things was to listen to Dad tell about his jungle adventures and other growing up tidbits. This not only gave us a glimpse of his past life but it also involved us in all the events of his life before we were born. I think shared narrative is so important in preserving families. It gave us kids a sense of belonging: that we belonged to this family, to this country and it made our extended family more real to us.

- One of the greatest gifts my Dad has given me is his Time. Dad always had time for me even though he's one of the most busiest men I know. He has never made me feel like something or someone else is more important than me.

- Dad has always been the head of our family and the spiritual leader of our home. This is priceless. Countless times I remember him expounding the Bible reading for us. I remember him praying and reading his Bible in the mornings. Many times he's told me that he has prayed for me specifically. Those prayers are a treasure for me.

- Although he isn't perfect- he has been a good example of what a husband should be. He's committed to my mom, he discusses his life with her, he teases her and is still romantic.

- He's got great social and networking skills. He's a hardworker and has accomplished many things since his humble beginnings.

- He gives great advice and is very practical.

I could go on and on. What an incredible man! I'm blessed beyond words to be his daughter.