Like many of us Indians I had always considered Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Valentines Day etc nuisances and just western influences on the Indian culture . For us ,I argued we don't need a special day or time to tell our loved ones what they mean to us.
2.5 years and my opinion has changed.
I lost my father in a road accident on 24th Nov 2007, ten days before my wedding day. This one incident has effected me most in my life and if I could handle that, I am sure I can handle anything in life now. What I regret most today is that I never told my father how much I loved him and what he meant to me. He might have known it or maybe he would have died wondering,I don't know but I regret missing all those Fathers Days...I wish I would have done or made one single day special for him...just one day in an year. Its not that I haven't done small things for him. I have tried my best. I remember the pride I felt in my fathers eyes when I first sent money home from my salary.It was mere Rs.3000 but he took it with pride. The money was saved ,I realised after his death, in our joint account. Whatever I sent was never spent! I took them for a nice vacation...his last with me. I loved to take him shopping.He wasn't the kinds who would spend on him at all and I remember one of his colleagues telling me how he boasted of the new jacket , wallet and watch I bought him in his entire office. I also bought him clothes and new shoes to wear on my wedding. They were left untouched as he passed away. So in actual I could do practically nothing for him and this dissatisfaction will live with me forever.
Its almost 2.5yrs and the pain is as fresh as ever.They say time heals every pain.But they did not mention the amount of time. I am still waiting for my time to come.Today my happiest morning is when I get up with a dream of my father.Its most refreshing!!
Now I want to celebrate every such Day. Tell all the people I care of..what they mean to me on these days whether its mothers day ,fathers day or valentines day ...say things that we don't say otherwise,send gifts and flowers , take them out for movies and dinners or do anything that pronounce celebration! Its important ,and I hope every one reading this will learn from my experience, and not regret it later ,when the people we love, are no longer around us.
Life doesn't always give you chance to make amends!!
