The Momma Clan

Dear Dad,
My First Hero, My Forever Strength,

As I begin to put pen to paper to write this letter, a flood of emotions rushes over my heart. It’s not every day that we stop in the midst of the routine of life to really speak from the heart. But today, on Father’s Day, I want to write the words I ought to have spoken more frequently: ”Thank you.”

You have always been my quiet strength, the behind-the-scenes force who never demanded gratitude but gave all unselfishly. I recall those instances when you returned home after a long workday, your shirt wet with sweat, your eyes weary, but your smile still there—as if a glimpse of us wiped out all of the world’s burdens on your shoulders.

You never explained to me how difficult things were, but I noticed. I noticed in the sacrifices you made. In the manner in which you wore one pair of shoes for years so that I could have the best school uniform. In the manner in which you missed your evening tea because I craved an extra snack. In the way you taught me values, not through words, but through example. You respected your mom in such a way that you set an example not only for me but also for the whole family.

One thing I will never forget is the most unselfish sacrifice you ever made. Even though Mom left for her heavenly abode at a very young age, you never even considered remarrying. You instead raised us single-handedly, filling our lives with your love without ever wanting anything in return. You were our father and our mother, both rolled into one. That choice, Dad—that unspoken, silent decision—was your act of greatest love.

I recall the way you supported the back of my bike the first time I ever rode. I believed you were still clinging to it much later than you ever had. That’s precisely what you’ve been doing throughout your life—gripping me until I found my own balance, then backing away unobtrusively so I could fly, even though you were no longer in the picture.

You taught me resilience. When I failed, you didn’t console me with sweet words—you made me stand up, brush off the dust, and try again. You didn’t just prepare me for school or college—you prepared me for life.

You were always a man of few words who followed the rule of simple living and high thinking, and your actions were louder than any words. I recall your firm grip around my hand as we crossed the road. The way you silenced storms. The silent wiping away of your tears when you thought no one saw. I saw, Dad. I always saw!

And now, today, I’d like to honour you—not for the big things, but for the small ones. The things that tend to go unappreciated. The cup of tea you delivered to me and my mother every morning. The fact that you were always waiting for everyone else to eat with you. The goofy jokes that made us grimace and laugh simultaneously.

You were, and always will be, my hero.

I couldn’t tell you this every day when you were with me, but believe me: I’m carrying your lessons wherever I go even today when you are not there anymore.I hear your voice in my mind when I’m having a difficult choice to make. I feel your strength in my heart when I’m afraid. I stride a little taller knowing that I’m your child.

This Father’s Day, I need you to know how much I love you and how much I respect you, and I thank you forever for all the sacrifices, all the lessons, and all the time you’ve shared with me.

You are, and will always be, my first hero.

With love,
Your proud daughter,

Sujata Maggoo