PATERNAL LOVE TO THE FAMILY by Prakash Nagarajan

Let me begin by asking a question?

Have you ever tried riding a cycle with a single wheel?  

If not impossible, you will definitely admit, it is not an easy thing to do. Of course, it is a given, you will fall off it at some point, unless you possess tremendous acrobatic skills. 

Ok, now how about riding a cycle with two wheels? 

Ah there, you will say, that won't be so hard. 

Why? 

Well, you now know the answer. A cycle having two wheels provide us with stability, balance, and that much needed confidence one requires to ride ahead, while desiring to reach one's destination.

Similarly, a family achieves its stability and strength through love, affection and protection of 'both' the parents.

So, how important is paternal love to a family? 

I will say, it's very important.

Looking at the example above, I will say, a father in the family is akin to the front wheel, and riding with it in tandem, the accompanying back wheel, is the mother of the house.

Without either of which, the family can lose both its stability and strength. 

It goes without saying, a mother's love can never be underlined enough. It is the very glue with which, members of families stick around with one another, and thus remaining united. A mother's love can cover you with warmth and perhaps, even smother you in its intensity.

And what about a father's affection then? 

Well, it is no less important, but just that, it's made up of a different ingredient. It varies in form compared to that of a mother's love. A fatherly affection will allow you to grow your own wings, ensuring you learn, how to fly. 

A loving father will teach you to have the courage of your convictions, and help you retain your self-belief. 

If you need learn anything about kindness, love or affection you don't need look no further than your own mother. She is all that - epitomized.

But if you need understand values of  integrity, sacrifice, or strength of character, you will do well taking a re-look at your own father.

Perhaps, at first instance, he might come across as being reticent, why, even detached or remote. But don't ever get fooled by that put-on appearance. Underlying that facade, beats a warm, loving heart, of a sensitive soul who has always had difficulties making his emotions vocal. 

If you need to really understand him, never pay much attention to what he says, rather focus on what he does. 

Observe and you will learn much from him. He is the kind of teacher who would much rather prefer to teach lessons by setting examples of himself, than by being vocal about it.

Through out his life, he would have struggled, silently providing for the family, keeping himself and his own needs in the background. 

He is that pillar of strength you can always count on. His, is the voice of reason you can bank on; and the very voice of encouragement you could ever hope for. 

He defines you and your very identity. 

When you were a child, chances are, he would have been the one to have taught you how to pedal a cycle, the one who would have walked you up to your school, or to have taught you how to make a simple fish-tackle. 

He would have taught you how to climb a tree or would even have hoisted you up his shoulders just so you could pluck your favourite fruit or flower. 

His philosophies in life are those learnt the hard way, by having lived a life of struggle and sacrifice. And if a child ever needs a role-model in life, he or she need look no further.  They would do well in emulating their own father or mother.

Some would argue, not all fathers are the same. 

But my take is, when we go about searching for examples, we should look at rules rather than at the exceptions. 

Personally, apart from what schooling I had, I still remember vividly, of having learnt the 3Rs at the footsteps of my father only. 

Through out, he remained my friend, philosopher and guide in life, without ever being imposing. He guided me in life through his own experiences. 

I feel truly blessed to have been showered with such love, affection and support from both my parents.

Values I cherish and hold dear today, are nothing but their everlasting gifts to me; and those define me now, gifts for which I can never thank them enough. 

© Prakash Nagarajan

India.