Welcome!

This blog of mine: "Circus of Life" is a sharing of my observations, feelings,views and perspective of life, after having suddenly lost a young son. It began with this life changing moment and has been cathartic for me, ever since. If you happen to have stumbled by, I hope you find my journey of some relevance!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Remembering Dad!

It is now a week since my Dad left us. From what seemed like a fairly harmless trip out to a nursing home, it took its toll on him a week later.
My Dad was special, as I guess all Dad's are.
He was a quiet achiever in his own way! I think he led a full life and gave us a great foothold in this world. He was self made, not in the sense of building a business empire, but in educating himself and building his career.He studied at some of the best institutes(like the IISc), that the country offered in the 40's.He was one of the few who got a government scholarship and took a ship to go and do his masters in the US.He told us stories of this sea voyage in a US army ship at the end of World War 2.Some of it charming and would seem almost like a fable to any kid today.
They say a man is known in his death and the number of his colleagues from the army and friends who have come by to meet us, all remember him as a 'true gentleman','a great teacher' and importantly 'a lovely human being'.
He was a great father to me and my sister,never ever raising his voice at us, but I think bringing up both of us,as fairly decent kids. He gave us a great education,at times maybe even sacrificing his savings to put us through some pretty good schools and colleges.
I think his greatest contribution to us was to build in us, the values of life which we still try and follow and others seemingly admire.
He spent the last 20years with me and we had grown very fond of each other. I learnt as he aged, that much like he held my hand and took me places when I was a child,now it was my turn to do the same, for him.
He loved watching a cricket match with me,having the occasional beer together, but I think being with me.
One more event for me,in this circus of life!
I miss you Dad, you were the true officer and gentleman!

3 comments:

  1. Dear Uday,

    What a beautiful piece you have written. We have known Vijayan Uncle for as long as you know him ... and our memories of him reflect exactly what you have written.

    So, let us add our thoughts for you ...

    Dear Uday,

    You can shed tears that Vijayan Uncle is gone,
    Or you can smile because he lived,
    You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
    Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

    Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
    Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
    You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
    Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

    You can remember Vijayan Uncle and only that he is gone,
    Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
    You can cry and close your mind and turn your back,
    Or you can do what Vijayan Uncle would want:
    … “Smile, open your eyes, love and go on”.

    We miss him, too. Lots of love,

    Always,
    Aruni & Uttam, joined by Udeet-Nadiah & Kunal

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  2. OMG this made me cry! This is so special!!! Everyone loves their dads t same way! I too am a daddy's pet! So it touched me more.. I hope you are doing good! :) tak care...

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  3. Hi Uday,

    This is a beautiful piece. Reminds me of my father.

    Avant

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