“A father may not give birth to you, but he will hold your hands forever”

Syaron Ghising, 

Father is someone who has always been there for us, through thick and thin and has always been our biggest supporter alongside our mother.– Syaron Ghising

Father is selfless, responsible and the unsung hero of our life. I do not remember the last time I said I love you to my dad. I have never even said it. Verbal love is not exactly the love language in our family. It was amplified by the cultures and traditions, and coming from a life where they had to struggle to make our future better, verbal affirmations were not exactly a priority.

Despite this, I will always love him and be his little girl. I have seen the struggles he has been through so that we would have a life he never had. I understand the pain and longing my parents had for staying apart for the sake of their children. The letters they would write to each other, the phone calls they would have occasionally, I have seen them and I feel them.

My father stayed abroad for 12 years, visiting only once in a few years. It was not easy being away from your family in a foreign land, working under extreme heat and with other people. He missed many milestones of his children, first walk, first words, first lost teeth, and all. But he had to stay strong and work harder so he could stay with his family later.

My father had a traditional upbringing. But he never forced the conservative beliefs on us. He always believed in supporting us equally. I always got what I wanted because my father worked hard to provide.

I have always lived a privileged life which I accept and acknowledge. And it is only possible because my parents always worked hard so we didn’t have to struggle like them.

Not everyone may be lucky enough to have a loving father or even a father. I am fortunate and grateful for it. I do not say this, but I want you to know, “I love you, daddy.” and “Happy Father’s Day.” Thank you for being a great father to us.