Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. A Great dad.
I’ve never known my dad. He abandoned my Mom when she was pregnant with me. You’d think that would embitter my Mom towards all men, right? But no, she was an angel. Not only did she not bear grudges, but she also made sure I didn’t either.
I grew up listening to her extolling her own Dad’s virtues – who was known in the locality as a very generous man who’d literally take the shirt off his back to someone in need. In fact, I remember anecdotes in which he actually wore three shirts in winter just so he could take two off and donate to the people who lived on the streets. Mom and her siblings adored him for his soft-spoken yet strong nature and to a large extent inherited most of his wonderful qualities.
During my growing up years, my Mom more than made up for the lack of a father figure in my life. I have secretly envied a couple of friends’ dads – especially my best friend’s – and I smile as I recall her saying “hey, mi papa es su papa!” She and I have wonderfully fond and tearful memories of her dad – and when we are on our weekly phone call – she lives in a different country – we enjoy reminiscing. Both of us think we are totally lucky to be married to men who are great Dads.
Which brings me to Sury, the best Dad in the world, in my eyes. He has what it takes to be the perfect Dad.
- He has a great sense of humor.
- He has patience and an uncanny intuition for knowing exactly what to do in a crisis.
- He is kind.
- He has the ability to see the big picture and not pick nits over minor issues.
- He is present whenever we need it without asking
- He sets a great example to Vidur with his self-discipline, focus and positive attitude
- And saving the best for last – he’s quietly affectionate, caring and loving.
- He always keeps his promises.
- He makes sure we’re well cared for.
- He never thinks twice about going without just so we can have something.
Just for fun, I asked Vidur what he admired most about his Dad – and he said: “He is the sweetest and most caring person I know. He is loving and nice to me but also strict. He is ready to help me when I need it. He encourages me to do what I want but makes sure I am sensible and always supports me. He never forces anything on me and insists that I do something only if it is truly necessary. He is always there for me. Oh, it is not really possible to express my love for him in words.”
As for me, I think I am so fortunate that my son has Sury as his Dad. I remember, years ago when we bought our apartment, we were really broke. We’d stay awake nights figuring out how to balance that budget. The fact that I walked to work and managed to minimize expenses as much as I could was not as great as Sury scrimping on his comforts just so we didn’t have to compromise on anything that was necessary for Vidur.
The best part? Even though we are in a better position today, Sury continues to be austere on himself and I admire him for it. He never hesitates to indulge Vidur – and I am doubly lucky to be blessed with a son who puts a lot of thought into what he asks because he understands that we’ll never be unreasonable.
I raise a toast to the man I married, and the man who’s a #GreatDad – as we celebrate 18 years of being married today – Feb 9!
P.S.: The featured image at the top is from 2005
20 comments
Such a wonderful heartwarming post Vidya…You know I just discovered a similarity between great dads…they all have beards 🙂
nabanita recently posted…In Love with Curls
Hahaha Naba! You are right! Figures, too. My Dad does not have a beard! 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…On Habits and Resolutions
Happy Anniversary, Vids. Loved reading about Sury and your mom too. Dads are special.
Well, this is just the most extraordinarily wonderful and happy post Vidya, thank you so much for sharing it! I can see the kindness in his photos! All the photos are wonderful. May you continue to be blessed in your loving family. He too and your lovely son are also beautifully blessed in having you in their circle. Many happy wedding anniversaries.
Susan Scott recently posted…Word Games While Walking
A heart warming post. What matters is to have a good heart and be human being:)
Vidya,
What a wonderfully beautiful anniversary tribute to your husband. The two of you are a perfect pair! Many blessings and best wishes as you walk through more days and years together.
Love!
Beth recently posted…19 Selfless Qualities of Self-Love
What a lovely tribute Vidya. Happt anniversary I hope you both have a great day x
Rosanne recently posted…Bra Fitting
Thank you Rosanne!:-) Yes, I had a wonderful day!
Vidya Sury recently posted…On Habits and Resolutions
My heart just melted.
Such handsome men!! WOW.
Love you more than white chocolate sprinkled on vanilla ice cream. xxxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…You Rise
You have a wonderful man and you can thank your mom for not tainting your thinking about men as many women can do. For this reason and your own attitude about yourself and the world you have a beautiful family and husband. I have nominated you for the Very Inspirational Award Vidya and I made a card for you! I will have it up tomorrow for you to read and see and if you like it, I will be all too happy to send it to you! If you don’t want it, don’t feel bad-it is AOK but I thought of you when I made it
Birgit recently posted…Insecure Writer’s Support Group-Stripper Wedding
Birgit, HUGS! I am excited about seeing the card, and hey, how can you even imagine I won’t like it? Of course I’ll love it! Everything you create is so beautiful and comes with your love. I am deeply honored you thought of me for the award…what can I say? I am blessed! And can’t wait to meet you later this year! Love you – and looking forward to it!
Vidya Sury recently posted…On Habits and Resolutions
Congratulations to you and Sury on 18 years of wedded bliss, Vidya! ♥ Your son is a lucky boy to have such wonderful parents and I bet he’s a great kid, too. 😀 Here’s a toast to many more wonderful years. Cheers!
Debbie D. recently posted…PLAYING TOURIST IN TORONTO – SUNDAYS IN MY CITY
Really brilliant ad…i loved watching my dad shave and tryiing to copy him when i was a kid, and the reason I’m a pilot today is because of how much he pushed me to work hard. Havign a dad is one of the greatest blessings.
Happy Anniversary and yes, he is the best dad indeed. What a heartfelt post.
I often hesitate to pen my inner feelings but as I read yours I find myself wanting to do the same.
Many many more years of Love, laughter and happiness to you and your family.
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted…Style & Me
beautiful & heartwarming post! Wishing you many more years of togetherness! <3
dreamzandclouds recently posted…Rooted in Joy (Part II)
Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Welcome to the A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal Blogfest 2015
That’s such a nice post Vidya .. brought smiles on my face .. especially your moms dad story – wearing three shirts during winter. Hats off to him??
Thank you so much, Shilpa. How sweet of you to comment. Guess what? On Feb 9, we’ll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…A memorable luxury stay experience at Novotel Ahmedabad
Your posts always leaving me smiling, with a lump in my throat. I have no doubt Vidur’s Dad AND Mom are even better than he thinks they are.
Happy Anniversary to you both! Wishing you’ll happiness and all good things!:)
Mayuri Nidigallu recently posted…On Honesty #MayTivation
Hugs, Mayuri! You are so very kind! ♥ ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…A memorable luxury stay experience at Novotel Ahmedabad