Genetically anybody can be a Father but to be perceived as a ‘Father Figure’ is a challenge in itself. A Father Figure would be an important individual in one’s life who possesses the qualities of a Father, yet is not biologically related to you.
As we grow up we form our own definitions of things and people. Most of such definitions are more diverse than the number of hair on a human head but still some definitions are very much similar to each other. Some are even universally accepted and understood. ‘Father’ –is one word which comes under such a definition. A Father Figure is someone whom we believe to be a strong person, someone who can be relied upon all the time, someone who knows the right thing to do, someone who can just set things in perspective for us, a person with lot of knowledge, someone who can be anyone for our good-serious, humorous, emotional, lenient, strict, fun etc, someone who provides an awesome blend of emotions with practicality, all in all someone who is able to teach us how to be the best. A Father Figure is able to teach us without even letting us know that we are learning and we unknowingly strive to be like him because of the numerous examples he keeps setting for us of being the ‘Ideal man’.
Some people find their Father Figure very late in life, some are never able to figure out who their Father Figure is and there are few lucky ones who do not need to look for a Father Figure. It took me years to realize who my Father Figure is but I still consider myself very lucky that I was able to at least find him. People mostly find their Father Figure as they move along in life but I was privileged enough to have moved along with my Father Figure. He can rightfully call me his son as he is not only my Father Figure but he is ‘MY ‘FATHER’- ‘My Paa’. He is much more than what a Father Figure should be and nothing less than what the best Father could be.
This blog is dedicated to my dad on his 58 birthday. I would like to this opportunity to express some parts of my love and respect towards him. Paa, you are my idol in so many ways that the virtues itself sometimes run out to provide you the chance to set an example for me. But time and again you have given me enough reasons to be proud of you and to feel very lucky and gifted to have a Father like you. I would like to thank you with all my heart for always being there.
Paa, I still remember how people used to get shocked and asked you your age whenever I was introduced as your son. And it was even more amusing to look at their reactions when they would find out that am the younger one ;). Well I can only hope that I could be half as graceful as you are and would love to hear from others that you are like your Father.
Thank You Paa!! Wish you a very happy birthday. May you have many more.
