A Father's Pride

Celebrating the little things in life

Father's Day is a special occasion for all fathers on earth. It used to be the day I celebrate with my father, buying him presents and bringing him out for a sumptuous meal. It wasn’t about the gift or the lavish dinner but a time to express gratitude and spend time with him to uphold our precious bond.

Since my father passed, Father's Day has taken on a different meaning. It has turned into an event to take my teenage children out for dinner so that they can wish me a happy Father’s Day. Although the practice may seem devoid of inherent meaning in today's evolving society, it remains a necessary practice. Organizing a Father's Day dinner is still an opportunity to preserve cultural values and continue a longstanding tradition to keep the family ties warm and maintain a sense of unity and belonging.

For me, the meaning of Father’s Day continues to evolve, and today, it has taken on another meaning at a new level. My son turned 21 this year, and being a grown man, he has learned to assume the responsibility of an adult. While waiting to start his university study later this year, he went to work for a local tech organisation. With his first paycheck, he offered to buy me dinner to celebrate Father’s Day with me.

I have my character flaws and don’t see myself as a particularly good father, but when my teenage son offered to take me out for dinner on Father's Day, it was heartwarming with a great sense of pride. Despite my imperfections, there must be something I've done right for my son to choose to spend his first paycheck on taking me out for a delightful meal in celebration of Father's Day. To me, it is a display of the strong bond and gratitude every father hopes for.

The simple meal that my son bought me (Photo by Author)

It was nothing fanciful, certainly nothing worth Instagramming about. But the inherent meaning of this simple dinner would make life worth living for. Even the plainest rice was packed with flavours that transcend the ingredient itself, imbuing the entire meal with love and heartfelt devotion.

We weren’t the only table celebrating Father’s Day at that restaurant, but I am sure I was the proudest of them all. Happiness is not about how much money we make or how expensive the dinner is; it is about how much a father perceives the love from his children. I don’t need my children to bring expensive gifts or impress me with extravagant dinners. To me, the most extraordinary experiences arise from the simplest of gestures.

It was the most unforgettable dinner I have ever had. Every single bite was infused with an unrivalled depth of tender flavour, making it the most captivating experience one could ever imagine, surpassing even the grandeur of the most prestigious Michelin-starred meals.

Happy Father’s Day to all the proud fathers out there! :)

Thank you son, for making this Father’s Day so special.

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