As Father's Day came and went, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my dad and his valuable lessons, which I hope to pass on to my own daughter as she grows up.
During the joyful celebrations at my house last weekend, my heart swelled with love when my daughter gave me a drawing accompanied by a heartfelt note that she created herself. She is a talented artist, and I'm always amazed by the meticulous attention she puts into her work.
Although I enjoyed the warmth and comfort of that Sunday, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness for my parents, who are far away from me. The last time I saw them was in 2018, when I was struggling to make career decisions. During that time, I was offered a tempting job opportunity that could have drastically changed the course of my life.
Reflecting on my confusion and stubbornness for exploring new avenues, I realized these traits have taught me invaluable lessons over the past decade. For that, I owe a debt of gratitude to my dad and his never-ending curiosity.
During my childhood, I remember my dad falling asleep in front of the TV watching documentaries on the History Channel. He would captivate me with his tales of historical figures and unravel the reasons behind meaningful true events. Not only was my dad an exceptional storyteller, but he also possessed an insatiable curiosity for the world. Looking back, I'm certain that's where I inherited my own inquisitive nature.
Curiosity and failure often go hand in hand, but what I learned from my dad is that failure shouldn’t be seen as a final judgment. Instead, it can be an opportunity for growth. Despite the challenges my dad faced, he always found a way to overcome adversity. I am grateful to him for instilling in me the resilience that has helped me get this far. Without him, I'm not sure I would have made it.
Another trait that defines my dad is his reliability. No matter the hour, he was always there when I needed him. He would pick me up, drop me off – he was always a call away. Before he came home, I can still recall him calling my mom to inquire if we needed anything. Upon his arrival home, the aroma of freshly baked bread remains etched in my memory, as he would often bring back something special from the market, even without us asking.
As I think about the lessons I want to teach my daughter, I aim to pass on the valuable qualities of curiosity, resilience, and reliability that my dad instilled in me. These traits have shaped me into the person I am today, and it's my greatest wish that they will guide and inspire my daughter as she navigates her own journey through life.
As for you, dad, I know we will see each other again soon enough. I can’t wait to hug you and celebrate Father’s Day together.
