Lately I have been writing a lot about my dad. Shifting to the new house has made me think of him each moment. Maybe becos I am trying to make new memories of him in here fully well knowing I can't. However, today I can't but help speaking about him. It is his sixth anniversary. He passed away on Buddha Poornima six years ago. We do a puja and then go to a temple. Today too, after we do a puja, we will visit a temple. I do it more for ritual than anything else. I am not a temple person, like my dad. He was not deeply religious and seldom visited any temple. He was spiritual. I have inherited that aspect from him. Of all his four children, I am more like him. And I am discovering that only after he passed away.I do not think I understood it when he used to tell us to overcome ourselves, not anyone else. The race should always be against one's ownself not with others. Now I do. Achievement is rising above the self. He never said that we have to give up materialistic stuff. But that we should know if we really need it. I like my comforts. I work for it. I suppose thats what he truly meant.
My dad had nothing. Not even his father to support him. He was a self-built man. Of course my grand mother supported despite being a widow soon after his birth. In India, being a widow was a curse (it still is). ( Another story for another time).
So very sweet - it is good to come to know those that have passed on in such an intimate way. I hope you enjoy your day of rememberance. :) I had many of the same thoughts for the prompt today.
ReplyDeletePlease, at some other time, tell that other story. I hardly know anything of the customs in India - I'd love to learn. :)
What a beautiful celebration of your dad's spirit.
ReplyDeleteReally loved this one!
Your dad was certainly a wise man and you have honoured and preserved his memory here with great tenderness. A lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteSweet tribute , honoring your father.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to remember your dad by writing to him. I hope your temple visit goes well too. I am sure your father is looking at you today with a warm smile. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeletei'm sure your father would be (is? which is right?) proud of you.
ReplyDeletebeautiful tribute...
sounds like a wise man from what you have said. a man worthy of your honor.
ReplyDeletepeace
kind of nice to know such a great man
ReplyDeletea very sweet tribute
Sending a big hug your way Gautami. It's so difficult missing people we still love, now on the other side. I know your dad is reading along too and loves you very much.
ReplyDeletethis is the way that I feel about my mother. (she's been gone 19 years and there's never been a day that I don't think of her)
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute. I lost my Dad over 20 years ago, and I never really understood what he did for me until he wasn't there, and I realised, no one to fall back on now.
ReplyDeleteSince then, I often see him in the mirror and hear him in my voice. Our parents live on through us.
My mum was a jewel!
ReplyDeleteMy old man, well the less said the better.
It's 20 years since my Dad, who I loved dearly, passed away. It's sad that in our culture we don't mark anniversaries. My friend from Sierra Leone had a big party to mark the first anniversary of her brother's death.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post my friend. I'll glad you have chosen to share your father with us. I feel like I know him through your memories and I'm sure the phrase 'father's daughter' is one that fills you with pride.
ReplyDelete((((((hugs))))))
it is a wonderful conversation keeping him alive...
ReplyDeleteThat was sweet Gautami.. am sure he is up there looking down on you feeling all proud and smiling~!!
ReplyDeleteHugss
I love this post. Your father's legacy is his wisdom, passed on to you.
ReplyDeleteMy father did not like women. I am a woman. Therefore... But 8 years after his death, I find that I am defined by his influence as well, that good things have come of it.