My father’s love lives on

I ALWAYS feel very touched whenever I see any father carrying his child or caring for his children tenderly. It reminds me of my father’s great love for me.

He took care of every need in my life. I had no lack, because I enjoyed the best of everything. My parents employed a nanny to look after me until I was 16.

Although I was adopted, my parents loved me like their own. My brother and sister were 12 years my senior. I was the “baby” of the family, so everyone doted on me.

When my father returned home from work each day, I would run to him and hug him. He would return my display of affection. Every night, I would kiss my parents goodnight before my bedtime.

Although my father was a busy contractor, he still found time to teach me Arithmetic and help me with my homework.

I loved going out with my father. Sometimes he took me on his rounds to inspect his jobs. Just riding in his car with him was a pleasure.

What I enjoyed most was my trip to the store which sold imported goods. I got to choose my favourite toffees, sweets and biscuits.

Most of our weekends were spent in Penang. It was our family time and we enjoyed shopping, eating and going to the movies. After the movies, my father would carry me, while I slept on his shoulder.

My father pampered me with the best of everything. He once bought me an imported tricycle and, later, a red imported bicycle. I even had a pair of leather sandals bought from Whiteways, a departmental store which sold imported British goods in Penang.

My father was my source of inspiration in my pursuit of my academic goals.

Suddenly tragedy struck, and our world of happiness was shattered. When I was 12, my father died of a heart attack. The trauma of losing him so suddenly left a deep emotional scar in all of us. My father was only 49. It took us some time to pick up the broken pieces of our lives and move on. My mother, sister and brother took over my father’s construction business.

Life is so uncertain. We should always appreciate and cherish our parents’ love. We should not take their love for granted. Even in old age, they should feel loved and have a sense of personal worth.

I thank God for blessing me with a wonderful father. I wish I had more years with him to repay him for his love and kindness. I am glad I was his source of joy. Today, his love and kindness live on in my heart.