It wouldn't be right to say "Goodbye" to Daddy without paying
tribute to the wonderful man he was. If Daddy could have seen how many loved ones came to bid him adieu, he would know how loved he was, and still is.
Daddy was the BEST Father in the world! He's the only man I know whose nieces and nephews also fondly called him "Dad". To him, there was nothing more important than his family. He loved us, and nurtured us, and worked tirelessly to give us a good life and good values. He taught us well, and he always led by example. Many of our family and friends have also said he was a great role model to them. He was a true gentleman, a man's man, and he carried himself with grace and dignity. He had strong ethics, both in his professional life and in his personal life, and he was loved and respected for it. He was kind and hospitable to everyone who visited our home, and nothing gave him more pleasure than eating a hearty meal and enjoying a "wee drop" (as he called it) with his friends and family around the table.
He was a loyal and dedicated husband to mum, and they are a shining example of what marriage and commitment truly means, having spent 62 wonderful years together. Mum recently had a stroke, and could not care for Dad the way she used to. Dad watched in silence as mum struggled to learn to walk again, and regain her balance. It must have broken his heart to see her that way, because he wrote on her birthday gift just weeks before he passed away, "Missing you..".
As his children, Chris and I enjoyed his unconditional love and attention, and I will never forget our Sunday bicycle rides to see the trains with Dad singing, "Put on your bonnet, your cape and your glove, and come with me..." (I always wore a sun hat on our rides). We had many adventures with him in the garden, growing and harvesting different fruits and vegetables. Everything I know about gardening, I learnt from him. He took great pride in his garden, and could often be seen pottering around in the mornings, well into his retirement years.
Daddy travelled a lot for work, but there was always so much joy when he returned home after his tours. He loved his home. He built it with so much love and care, and made it such a warm and safe place for us to grow up in. Even after I left home, I always knew I had a place to return to. I can never forget the picture of him waiting anxiously on the platform for my train to arrive, or the sadness in his eyes when my trained pulled out of the station and I had to go back. He was never late, and he was always there, until his health didn't permit him to come to the station anymore. Daddy didn't express his emotions much in words, but you could see how much he felt for us. He was very protective of his family, and I believe he's still watching over us now.
We are blessed to have had him as our Father, and our children are blessed to have known their Grandfather. Joshua and Leah will continue his Legacy now.
And so Daddy, it is with heavy hearts we say Goodbye to you, but I hope and pray one day we'll meet again, and I'll come running into your arms the way I did when I was a little girl.
From Aunty Bernie (Dad's sister) -
ReplyDeleteMy big brother Alroy! Me, being the youngest of 4, he was always my BIG brother. He took his responsibilities as the eldest seriously, and if we didn't do what was expected, we'd feel his "kottus" on our heads!
He loved music and singing and family sing alongs. His favourite singer at that time was Nat King Cole.
Alroy loved to play cricket. He was captain of our local cricket club for awhile. He spent hours on the radio listening to commentaries of test matches.
He married Nancy, and they have a beautiful family. I had the privilege of walking up the aisle with him on my wedding day. Cyril and I have always held him in high regard as our elder brother.
Sleep in peace big brother, you have earned it.
Thank you for the lovely memories, Aunty Bernie! Dad's favourite singer was still Nat King Cole, right till the end. I put a whole album for him on my ipod and he used to listen to him while walking in the garden, when he could still walk outdoors. Feels like a long time ago now.
DeleteFrom Mr. Dasarathan, Bangalore:
ReplyDeleteIt's a virtual truth that the death of a parent can be one of the most difficult and heartbreaking experiences that a person can go through. Basically, a parent is a guiding light, and once that guiding light is gone, the person obviously feels an immense sense of loss and sorrow like no other. And dear Annabel has been drawn to the same situation owing to the passing away of her dear father recently.
I am deeply touched on seeing the heart-wrenching post titled "Tribute to Dad" penned by Annabel for her dearest daddy who passed away recently due to some illness. Our eyes were certainly welled with tears to note her sense of loss and sorrow while mourning her dear father's irreparable loss. She emotionally expressed her adorable bond between father and daughter and shared her feelings in a grieving tone, as well as how her loving and caring father remained a guiding light in her growth and helped her reach a successful and progressive life from her childhood. Besides, she never forgets to mention the greatness of her dear dad, especially his unequivocal unique quality of life that he led during his lifetime. In the course, she exhibited the testimony by highlighting the 62 years of her parents' long and happy married life, based on trust and mutual understanding as an essential yardstick in life. I feel this would set an example for the present generation. Furthermore, as a sense of solace, she was confident that the grandchildren of her deceased father would carry on his legacy, which is quite an appreciable thought.
It's painful to mention that my heart goes out to Annabel's mother, as I wonder how she will find consolation for the departure of her long-lived beloved husband from her midst. It's my ardent prayer to the Almighty Lord of the Universe, Jesus Christ, to relieve her pain in this distressed situation and to comfort her with peace of mind and tranquility in the coming days.
At this juncture, it's felt appropriate to mention my acquaintance with the departed noble soul was on two occasions when he visited Bangalore. While exchanging pleasantries, he expressed his sense of comfort and satisfaction that his daughter, who was staying alone as a tenant, was safe with trusted people like us. He specially thanked us for treating his daughter as our own, and that invariably shows how caring he was for his daughter. We were truly elated after hearing from him.
The life of each and every person on earth is being defined and drawn according to God's plan, and let the reality in life, whether good or bad, needs to be accepted. Though your dearest father has left this earthly realm and found eternal peace, his cherished memories will create nostalgic feelings by reminiscing his memories in your heart and soul, and he will bless you from heaven.The best tribute the family can offer for the departed noble soul is to live unitedly in harmony and, moreover, to accomplish his unfulfilled desires.
God bless you all.
Thank you dear Uncle, for your kind words about Daddy, and for taking the time and effort to write your thoughts and words of consolation. We appreciate it very much.
Delete