MondayBlues: A Tribute to My Dad

As another Monday dawns, offering a fresh chance to chase our dreams, I'm reminded of the recent Father's Day celebration. I must confess, were it not for my sister's reminder, I might have forgotten to wish the old man a happy Father's Day. Sorry, Pop! This oversight has inspired me to reflect on what fatherhood means, based on the only dad I've ever truly known.

If there's a measure of someone who has significantly influenced my life, it's undoubtedly my father. He taught me patience, effective communication, how to be calm, and most importantly, how to believe in myself.

One of my dad's greatest gifts was his unwavering trust in me, even before I trusted myself. Whether it was handling money, taking on responsibilities, or managing my schoolwork, he always expressed confidence in my intelligence and ability to make the right decisions. He instilled in me the understanding that I was responsible for my own successes and failures in life.

I'll admit, I did let him down a couple of times, and nothing was more unbearable than seeing the disappointment in his eyes. However, the trust he placed in me has been instrumental in shaping my adult life, guiding me through my career, relationships, and academic journey.

My father's patience with my impatience was remarkable, as was his ability to remain calm when everything seemed to be falling apart. I vividly remember his positivity during tough times. Once, during a particularly rough patch, he created a calendar to remind our future selves of the problems we were facing – all while we were laughing together.

Honesty was always his policy, even when it was difficult to be truthful with his children. My sister and I deeply respected this trait. He loved us as his kids but never treated us as less than equals. I remember before making any investments, he would always consult us and ask for our feedback.

During my university days, when times were hard, I'd often call my dad. He always picked up, even though many of these were "Need more money" calls. He would listen patiently and share stories of his own challenging university experiences, helping me put my struggles into perspective.

My dad has been the utmost blessing in my life, and he continues to be amazing as we both grow older. He has never stopped being a dad, and for that, we are eternally grateful.