Isn't it interesting that most men go through a similar emotional journey regarding relationship with their dads? My own journey went through respect, indifference, may-be-he-is-right and now to admiration.
I could go on filling pages about him but on this Father's day I reflect on his best three qualities.
1) Faith in God: I watched him go through life with all its troubles.
But he never compromised in going to Church every Sunday.
He didn't go to cry; he went to seek strength.
He didn't go to complain; he went to seek wisdom.
He didn't go so as to be excused; he went so that he can have a guiding hand.
His strong faith continues to carry him through life.
2) Hard work: He wasn't complacent because he laid his burdens on God.
He worked hard.
He worked hard as head of the family and as head of his school.
He always insisted on giving his best.
I resented his insistence of hard work during my childhood days but now I can't thank him enough for showing me the benefits of hard work.
3) Living within his means: There is a fine line between being parsimonious and living within one's means and my Dad may have crossed that line quite a few times (at least in our opinion).
But the effect of his careful spending is that even after retirement, Mom & Dad are able to continue their life-style.
In fact, after retirement they have developed a hobby of traveling and they are able to sustain it even without any contribution from their children.
When I look back, what strikes me is that he never boasted about any of these qualities to us or to anyone else.
He quietly went about his life walking with conviction and confidence.
Now its our turn to emulate him.