Susan Narjala
Keeping it Real
My Dad – A Good Man
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, T S Elliot should be taking notes.
Thirty years later, you’re still the biggest fan of that rather sparsely-populated 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.
This Father’s Day, 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 enjoys spending time in God’s presence without needing to make a big deal of it.
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.
Because of you, when it came to choosing the father of my children, I chose a good man, too.
Thank you for your not-perfect-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 30 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.
MEET SUSAN
Comments
18 Comments
Cheryl
Beautiful pic of father n cute daughter . Love the way you creatively express your self just as an artist with her brush on canvas. God bless your dear dad n husband n you.
Susan Narjala
Wow! Thanks for the encouragement, Cheryl! You and your family are a blessing to all os us.
Chita
Very nice very nice, like Rajive says
Susan Narjala
Haha! His words for sure! Thanks Chita!
Chitta
Too good
Very nice very nice, like ur father says
Susan Narjala
Haha! His words for sure. Thanks Chita!
Ruth
Dear Susan, that is such a beautiful tribute to your dad! I have always admired his personality and you are so blessed! I enjoy your writing. God bless you my girl!
Susan Narjala
Thanks, Ruth! Will tell him 🙂
devina
so beautiful Susan…. Ranjit chose an amazing woman too:)
Susan Narjala
Aww! Thanks, Dev! (Will make sure the husband hears this ;))
Katrina Hobson
Beautiful
Susan Narjala
Thanks so much, Katrina!
Marsha Ocker
I LOVE the picture!!! Well done, Susan.
Miss you guys! Greet your folks for us, please.
Susan Narjala
Marsha! Miss you guys too! I’ll be sure to tell my folks that you asked after them.
Pramilla
Susan, you’re so so sorted. Your dad sounds like a wonderful human being. I’m glad you’re carrying the legacy forward. God bless.
Susan Narjala
Thank you so much for your kind words, Pramilla! God bless!
Dr Margaret Thomas
Susan I love your style of writing. You always pull at my heartstrings. This was not just a tribute to your Dad, it was also one to your husband. I’m sure he refers to you as ‘neighbor’s envy, owner’s pride’!
Susan Narjala
Thank you so much, Dr M! (Will have to check with the hubby on that one 🙂