This is an excerpt from "My Gratitude Journal" which I have written on 9th Sept 2007.
First, how I got the idea of keeping a Gratitude Journal.
I once read in a book called 31 Girl by Mary Simpson that one should keep such a journal, to remind ourselves of the blessings that we have received from the Almighty. It is an inspiring book, and I'd like to recommend any girl out there to grab a copy of it. It has helped me a lot in my walk of life.
Since Father's day is coming up, I thought it would be nice if I publish this in my blog. So here it is, with a few necessary modifications and omissions here and there, from the original.
Dad, you are a kind man, gentle in your deeds and hardworking. You've taught me a lot with your silent actions. You believe in 'action speaks louder than words'. Thank you so much for all your kindness and patience. I know I'm not the perfect daughter, and it was difficult for you and mom especially through my teenage days. I was busy with friends and long phone calls, talking about nothing. But you would always understand, and stood by me even if mom or any of my brothers complained. You would just say 'she will learn soon'.. The actual words, which I'll never forget.. " Christmas a la hmang tlem anih hi, a hman tam hunah a la thiam/fel ve mai ang" :-)
When we were small, during mornings, you would turn up the radio to the maximum volume to wake us, and we, lazy as ever, would still cover ourselves up. You would never get angry. But if we had slept too long, you'd take off our sheets, and that was a sign that showed you were pretty mad by then.
I won't ever forget that night, 31st december 2000, New Year's eve. All my friends made plans, and I stayed home. I didn't want to wait for the New Year, and so I went to bed. But you came and woke me up at 12, wished me, and called me out the balcony to watch the fireworks. I'm telling you Dad, that was one of the most beautiful and memorable moment of my life. Just me and you, and the beautiful sky.
Talking about sky, this reminds me about the shooting stars that we both watched late at 2 am, during my 10th standard Selection exam. There were so many shooting stars (i think this was the one we saw that night), and I was up because I had to prepare for my exams (believe me, selection exam was "the" toughest!). While I was waiting , you came out, and we watched the sky. You told me to make a wish. I guess I was so selfish, I just wished that I would do well in my exams. I should have wished for you to have good health. But thank God, till today you are well.
In so many ways, I'm like you dad.. I don't talk much to people that I'm not close to. And I don't know how to strike a conversation, and would rather keep quiet like you. But I can talk all nonsense, non-stop to people I'm close to, again just like you :-)
Remember when I was in 12th standard, I went to attend a camp program conducted by our church, which was against the school rule. And as expected, the Principal asked us to bring our parents. I won't ever forget that day, how the Principal scolded you, he used all sorts of hurting words, but you just sat there and bore the pain, all for me. Because if you had answered him back, I would have been expelled from school. I felt sad but proud of you at the same time.
Dad, I'm proud of you in so many ways. Thank you for keeping such a big family together till today. Thank you for loving mom. Thank you for your patience. I love you so much and I want to make you proud. I WILL make you proud.
Thank you Lord, for giving me a dad who cares, who loves me unconditionally, and please take his soul to heaven when his time comes, for he deserves the best.
Love you Dad, always.
My Dad loves to work, he reared pigs, chickens, ducks, even turkeys back in the days, apart from his office work; he knows carpentry; he can fix just about anything; he loves to cook; he loves to garden; he grew all kinds of vegetables, from tomatoes to squashes to carrots. But now, he cannot work as much since he has been suffering from sciatica for years, and cannot make much use of his legs lately. Even though he's a man of few words, i would laugh to tears at his jokes. For a man in his 70's, he still looks young, compared to his friends. BTW, I'm planning to let him read the original version of this on Sunday i.e Father's Day (21st June 2009). Hope he'll like it. My fingers are crossed :-)