My Dad Is 61 Years Old.

Writing comes naturally to me but words have failed me when I thought about writing something for my dad. Finally on the Eve of Fathers Day I thought I could write something for him…I don’t know whether he would read it .Even if he would read it am not sure whether he would appreciate me directly. But one thing am damn sure is he would be extremely happy and would bless me.

Right from my childhood days for me my dad has been my inspiration. Though he never took interest in the studies part for both sisters (since both of us managed it really well) he inculcated in us an interest for playing badminton. He put a lot of efforts in teaching me cycling..But an heavy baby that I was and I am ,I could never learn it. I have no regrets I could not learn it but those memories are damn precious. Taking a break out of his Sunday holiday and teaching me is still a priceless memory.Those were the days when he used to teach me whatever new things would come up. He was the script writer for most of my elocution competitions.I loved every word he wrote. He has become old now. He became 61 yr old just three days back. Post one bypass surgery ,he still doesn’t look 61 and is still quite younger  at heart.

I could never cometo terms with the fact that my dad is actually growing old .For me my dad is still the same .  

But these days…

While climbing stairs, when he waits and gasps for breath of air ,

I realize he ‘s growing old.

While he asks me to thread a needle

I realize he ‘s growing old.

While he asks me to read him an article

I realize he ‘s growing old.

While he asks for help to carry luggage

I realize he ‘s growing old.

While he asks how to use a new electronic device

I realize he’ s growing old.

While he takes time to match our steps while walking and Is somewhere way behind

I realize he’s growing old.

While the number of medicine prescriptions increase

I realize he’s growing old.

While the number of visits to doctor’s  dispensary increases

I realize he’s growing old.

When he dyes up his hair and asks me “safed bal dikh raha hai kya?(can u see any white  hair around?)”

I realize he’s growing old.

-Chitra

I have noticed the fact as parents grow old we need to treat them like our babies and do everything they once did for us. Right from reading to guiding them to how to do certain things.Last week when I created a resume for my mum , I was like wondering she is the one who taught me and now she wants me to write it for her..Strange!!!!but true!!We learn so much from them during our entire life and then when they get old we just have to  do the same for them Whatever done by them cannot be paid back but yes an effort to keep them happy can  always be taken. It feels nice to read newspapers for them, read them some articles, and thread needles for them because it takes me back to the old days where they have done so much for me.I love the child like enthusiasm I see in my dad whenever I gift him something these days and the way he keeps it carefully. Then I relate it to my childhood days when I got my first Bharatnatyam ornament set as a gift from him. I was excited in the same way. I am a lazy bone but there are times when I thoroughly enjoy cooking up his favourite dish or making him a cup of coffee…My dad has never been like  my mum ,they both have been totally different. My dad is the patient one and my mum, the impatient one. My dad has always been a strength   through difficult situations. He has been practical all his life and my mum simply emotional about all the stuff. He has been supportive both to my mum as well as both his daughters in every phase of life. He is a man of few words. But that is how I like him.

I hope by now all of you would have related   it to your own story. Yes !! Now  even  I have decided to come to terms with the fact that my parents are growing old and I am the one who needs to take care of them. Through this article I would like to convey a message   that as your parents grow old they need you just like the way we needed them when we were new to this world all alone. They turn into small babies when they grow old and expecting them to act maturely just because they are growing old is foolishness. Treat them like a 4year old, pamper them and see the happiness that you get. I expect my friends to be sensitive about their parents. One of the most beautiful relations that we are bound with ,as soon as we are born is that of a parent and a child. Day to day communication and splurging of expensive gifts is not necessary .All that is necessary is to let them feel that you are always there for them whenever you are around.

Happy Fathers Day to All the Wonderful Dads In the World. Being A Dad is not that easy…..Salute to all the Wonderful Dads Around.