my dad

When I was little, Dad used to take me on trips to various places. He always had time for his family. He went to work at 7 am and came home at 4 pm. Sometimes he worked overtime, but he was always home on weekends. Weekends were our family time.

My 1st birthday

At Ciwidey when I was 6

At Sabuga when I was 8

When I was 9, my little sister was born. Dad got a promotion and he became busier since then. He goes to work at 6 am and comes home late at night, sometimes around midnight. And what’s worse is that he also works on weekends. We never have the time to go on trips anymore. My poor little sister never gets the chance to go to the places where Dad took me years ago. He’s very busy. Sometimes he takes his works home, like last night.

Last night

Growing up with a busy parent is hard. It would be much harder if Mum was busy too, but thankfully, my mum is a full time stay-at-home-mum. Everytime I come home, Mum is always there to greet me. We’re not really close, but she’s always there. I can’t imagine what I would become if she was busy too.

That is why I want to be a housewife after I get married. I want to watch my kids grow up. I don’t want to miss any moment. I looked at Dad’s face this morning and I realised how old he had become. Maybe Dad looked at me too and realised how much I’d grown up. It’s sad to see how much we’ve missed. He didn’t attend all my graduation days through my school years. On my 19th birthday, he texted me to say happy birthday because he had left for work before I even woke up.

I’m not blaming him. He’s busy because he has a family to feed. He is wonderful. He never complains even a single sigh. I love him with all my heart, even though I never hug nor kiss him. Sometimes I cry before I sleep, thinking of how much he has given me.

Dad, I know I never show it, but please keep in mind that I love you. Very much. Please don’t push yourself too hard. Take a rest. Take a deep breath every now and then. When you’re ill, please take the medicine and stop being so stubborn. Listen to what Mum says, cause all she wants is for you to be okay. We love you. We really, really love you.

Sincerely,
Putdar.