A Father’s Love
By The Parodist | June 13, 2009
You might be wondering why a photo of bananas accompanies this post, it’s all due to a poignant encounter yesterday afternoon, which tugged at my heart as I was reminded that it’s Father’s Day weekend.
I had wished I had my camera with me when I saw a two-year old boy trying to push his father’s wooden cart laden with bananas for sale; a show of wanting to help out perhaps. Without breathing a word, the father, seeing what his son — who is almost in tears when he realised he’s unable to — was trying to do, simply picked him up and carried him on one arm then continued to push the heavy cart with his free hand.
The scenario had almost brought tears to my eyes for it encapsulates what most fathers (both our parents, really) would do for their children. They make room for these helpless and innocent creatures in their lives, regardless of how difficult and taxing it can be. Fathering a child can trigger acts of selflessness in degrees you didn’t think possible.
Shortly after, I then saw a father off to deliver packs of laundered clothes in a pedicab. His son was sitting with the clothes, holding the paper which I guess contains the list of addresses where the clothes are meant to go. A child wanting to spend time with his father while he works simply because he thinks that it’s cool, whatever it is.
A familiar wave of understanding washed over me. I know of the wanting to be part of my father’s life. Watching him work or drive a car. Wanting to go wherever he’d go. Trying to do what he’s doing then looking up expectantly for a word of praise or even a hint of a smile in his eyes, seemingly telling me that yes, he had seen my effort and was proud of me regardless of the outcome.
Then I found myself wondering, will their respective families celebrate them being fathers this Sunday? Are they aware of the importance to set aside a day to appreciate them and who they are to the children?
I really can’t say that a father’s love is greater than that of the mother’s. Roles of fathers and mothers in a child’s life complements. One can nurture, support and encourage, and the other can discipline, instruct and protect. They both just affect their children differently.
While a child can find the heart and inspiration in life from mothers, they can find the strength and will to live a good one from a father’s love.
So, I’m taking this opportunity to especially appreciate all the fathers. You have been given an important role in a child’s life, a responsibility that you alone can fully fathom. Know that all your hard work and sacrifices did not go unnoticed. In your child’s eyes, you are truly the best father one can ever have.
As a daughter, I am especially grateful for the love that only a father can give. The love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. The love that never fails. No man will ever love me the way he did.
P.S. The bananas are of the Latundan variety. I bought a kilo priced at Php 28.00 from the little boy’s father.
Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel
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June 13th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Oh, Sha you make me miss my dad. I know yours misses you more wherever he is right now.
One big hug.
* Kristine´s last blog post.. Prince Sebastian, my new love
June 14th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Beautifully written, Sasha. Yup, no man will ever love you the way Dad did.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
What a beautiful post. You’re very lucky to have had this person in your life.
* Asianmommy´s last blog post.. Bowl & Cup (Mandarin)
July 20th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Kristine: Thanks, Tin. Go and do something to make you miss him less.
Connie: Thanks, Connie
Asianmommy: Thanks
August 2nd, 2009 at 5:38 am
i lost my father when i was a child of only eight years. He past away. We had a close relationship; actually in some ways more of comradeship. He constantly traveled and it was normal that i be his companion. Trips started as soon as i was old enough to travel, i think; since the greater portion of my dad’s memory is dominated by scenes of distant places.
In grade school, there were these occasions where in the middle of class i’d be pulled outside, told i’m exempted from study that day. As it was during incidents like this—my father would come for me as we were bound on an unexpected new trip. i thought impromptu trips were the coolest kind of all because it really made feel very special, even grown-up; plus the promise of a voyage to the unknown. i suspect the school viewed this with contempt, however.
It was a great lost, my dad passing on. Now many years have filled the distance since his death. The pain of the lost is gone just a void in my chest that never seem to be filled, yet in the everyday things i see and experience and who i am bind me to the past where i can see my father’s silhouette.
—thanks, i really enjoyed this post. Even without your camera i could see the scenes you describe vividly, by just your words. i was touched and reminded of childhood.
October 18th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Thanks, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for sharing your story too