My Father’s Eyes

Dear Readers,

Looks like the Monsoon Gods are finally beginning to smile down on us scorched and sweating minions – even if it’s started with a sprinkling of minimal showers across maximum city. But these teasers are quite relieving because they signal more than just the start of the rains – they signal the end of the sweltering summer. Which means we will finally stop complaining about the horrifying heat… and start complaining about the portentous potholes and vile water-logging and the interminable traffic-jams caused by the rains! Oh well…

Tomorrow, the third Sunday in the month of June, is celebrated as Father’s Day. One cannot emphasize enough the indispensability of a father’s role in securing a safe and sound childhood, which ultimately blossoms into successes across various areas as adults. “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection,” said Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis.

When we fondly look back upon our childhood, we are unable to dissociate a few common phrases from our fathers! Like “When I was your age…” or “Paisa jhar par nathi unghta!” or “Annari jhevo! You don’t even know what hard work is!” or then, the showstopper, “Because I said so!” We can never let go of the precious memories our fathers embed in our lives – these become our greatest influencers and shape our sense of identity, and our destiny. It is so true what they say – a father can have many children, but a child can only have one father.

Most of us are fortunate to have fathers/father figures who continue to silently, yet greatly, contribute to our existence and our achievements. Let’s thank and congratulate all these wonderful men who enrich our lives; and let’s celebrate them or their memories in the way they would like us to! Let’s give back for a change – not just in terms of thoughtful gifts, but in terms of things that really matter – your smiles and hugs; expressing your gratitude, love, appreciation; and most important of all – your time and your presence.

This brings to mind a touching Shakespearean line which I must share with you (slightly tweaked) – “When a father gives to his child, both laugh; when a child gives to his father, both cry.” May you also bring tears of joy to your father, not just on Father’s Day, but always; and may our grand Father up in the skies, be touched enough by your gestures to let his eyes rain down happy showers on our parched city and nation!

If you find the time, do listen to ‘My Father’s Eyes’, a classic by Eric Clapton, dedicated to his father.

Happy Father’s Day to all! Have a fun weekend!

– Anahita

(anahita@parsi-times.com)