Susan Narjala
Keeping it Real
A Good Man: A Tribute to my Dad on his 80th Birthday
I remember crafting you a “poem” when I was eleven years old. It was your 45th birthday and I wrote this for you:
Born in ‘45
Today 45,
Half of 90
In the Year ‘90
You thought my poem was next-level brilliant. Like, Nobel Literature Prize worthy. Like, Shakespeare should be taking notes.
Thirty-five years later, you’re still the biggest cheerleader of that rather sparsely-populated “fan” club!
That’s you, appa.
Always telling me that I am going places. Always in my corner. Always making me feel like I’m the next best thing to chocolate sauce that comes in a squeezy bottle.
On your 80th birthday, I want to tell you two things that I don’t take the time to say very often: Thank you and I love you.
Thank you for not just supporting my dreams but for also dreaming big for me, without ever imposing your aspirations on me.
Thank you for being unapologetically enthusiastic on my behalf, with back-thumping, “Too goods!” and over-the-top praise.
Thank you for being the person who first showed me what a good – not perfect – man looks like.
A good man takes care of his family without thinking about it.
A good man laughs much – but never at the expense of others.
A good man doesn’t talk down to his children.
A good man respects women – and it starts at home.
A good man has a teachable heart at any age.
A good man is vulnerable enough to cry when his heart is moved.
A good man doesn’t grasp at being popular with everyone.
A good man doesn’t think real masculinity has to be tough. It can be sensitive and funny and sweet.
A good man enjoys spending time in God’s presence and Word without needing to make a big deal of it.
Thank you for your not-impeccable-but-always-good example.
I love you for your quiet, strong, stable presence in my life.
I don’t know if this tribute to you is more fitting than the one I wrote 35 years ago.
Even if it isn’t, I know you’ll be saying, “Excellent! World class! Brilliant!” and you’ll be saying it through tears in your eyes.
Happy 80th Birthday, Appa!
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I first wrote this post for Father’s Day five years ago. It was edited slightly to fit this occassion.
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Comments
10 Comments
Bonnie
Beautiful!
Susan Narjala
Thank you, Bonnie. Blessings, Susan
Shikha
This is such a heartfelt tribute ❤️ Birthday wishes to our dearest, sweetest Uncle Jacob!
Susan Narjala
Thank you, Shika. Will pass on the kind wishes. Blessings, Susan
Ted Senapatiratne
Blessings on you and your family, specially your Dad!
What a great tribute you have written, and what a great Legacy he has created!
Susan Narjala
Amen! Thanks so much, Ted. Blessed to have this Christian heritage. – Susan
Jay Koshy
Beautiful tribute Susan! Happy 80th to your dad! What a blessing to have a Christian and loving dad! I pray you are blessed with many more years with him!🙏
Susan Narjala
Thanks, Jay. Your dad was such a blessing in my life too. Always grateful for my time in SU and the true Christian examples I saw all around me. Blessings, Susan
Maura
How blessed you are to have such a good earthly father who displays the character of our Heavenly Father.
Susan Narjala
I’m truly grateful for that! Thank you, Maura! Blessings, Susan