Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Pappa.

Written by Swagat Irsale.

1 - Pappa, I don't want to go to some family/ business events. 

This continued till I was 30. . 

I thought many of these activities were not valuable and I was confident that I was correct. 

When I crossed 30, Pappa observed this. 

He told me one thing. 

See, whatever you do; there will be uncomfortable (let me use this word) events. 

It will happen in business, family, friends, everywhere. 

Some of them are necessary and unavoidable. 

“Do one thing”. 

“Learn to act” appropriately in those events, situations. 

“Don’t give excuses”. 

They are valuable in the long run. 

Now I get it and I follow it. 

I act in most situations and then smile in my typical style … 🏆 

I know no one will agree that they act in many situations, but I am. 

Additionally, I can see that others are also acting … 🤐

Pappa wanted me to understand that “Life is a stage and it's beneficial to keep acting”. 

Too good Pappa. 

If you have heard me quoting History, that is because Pappa’s major/ minor was History; hence the inspiration. 

Keep acting is one of the profound lines which shaped my life in the last couple decades. 

Hmm - I still do not go to many family functions though. 

Now on I will go …. 

2 - I bought a used car. Used, but good one.

Bought it on a credit card.  

I drove it for a year.  

Then I had an accident; a minor one. My age was less than 30; minor - you got it. 

Used that car in the same condition for 6 months. 

Then I had to move across the country for a contract job. 

So had to sell the car for ⅙ of the purchase price. 

You can chuckle, laugh, make fun; I am ok. 

My heart melted; I did not own a car for six months. 

Did not tell this to Pappa for 3 months. 

Then I told mom first and then I told Pappa; I observed the longest silence from him.

After a couple of days, he asked me “how long did it take you to recover?”. 

I gave an honest number in months multiplied by my monthly salary. 

Again long silence … 💡 

Then he said “Remember, never go negative”.

Long silence from me. 

My silence means - Yes Pappa … 🙋 

I promise you, I will remember these for the rest of my life. 

I love you; Happy Father’s Day, Pappa. 

PS - my niece took this picture - I think 2014/ 15.