Beneath the Wings of a Dad

Each time I read these stanzas I am reminded of many great personalities who offered quiet strength to their families. They did not expect appreciation nor was it given in the lavish way we do today. There was an acceptance beyond question and life simply rolled on. Commercialization wasn’t heard at all. 

Words - Shanthi Wijesinghe

Fathers were role models. They leant their shoulder to the wheel in times of stress and grief. They went without buying expensive clothes and shoes always keeping in mind the needs of his family. Children followed without question and became great human beings and a gift to society. We meet fine gentlemen in our society today. Lifestyles have changed vastly – yet somehow a good percentage of men have managed to hold onto sensibility which is a relief! 

Protect – Provide – Preside 

Ideally, a father should have these three elements as an unwritten code welded into his being. He shouldn’t pass the buck to his significant other when he has been blessed with the task of bringing up a family. That significant other will take it as a weak link of his personality and switch roles over a very short period of time. We hear them saying “he can never make a decision” or “It’s always me who has to decide” or even “It’s understood that I wear the trousers in this family!” Do not complain when this happens because YOU let it happen. Taking charge is not considered arrogant or aggressive if used in an inclusive and kind manner. A man does not necessarily have to display hyper-masculinity – he can use a path of firmness. A ‘no means no’ attitude. You won’t be seen as arrogant or vile – rather someone who takes responsibility seriously. 

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