In Gratitude - S4 : Paying my homage through years of my life || My Baba || By Anupama Vaidya

Series Part 4… towards my big milestone - 2021 - Golden Celebrations.

Published on Facebook: 18-Oct-2021

It is so heartening to express myself to all of you in this series of my countdown to my big milestone, I owe my being what I am to all of you who have been a part and parcel of my life and have helped me shape my life….

Today, as I move ahead in part 4 of this series, it’s a very special day, 18th October, my Dad’s birth anniversary…. Having lost him this year in March, it is a very difficult feeling to change a word from birthday to birth anniversary. I still feel his presence around me, so secure and safe with his aura of blessing being showered every moment.

It was this time last year, as he turned 83, his health suddenly deteriorated, and while I knew he may not see this next birthday, it’s tough to actually go through the reality.

My Baba, my strength for life. Standing by me every moment of my life whether it were my achievements or my challenging moments of life, whether it was an up phase or a down phase, he was always there. With his loving smile – the one you see in the photo, expressing through this smile, don’t worry, I am there with you.

I remember right from childhood, how he showed confidence and built my courage in whatever I did, whether it was studies, right in first standard, making me understand the need to “Study” or whether it was learning to ride a cycle – a full adult cycle in 4th standard, or encouraging to learn a two wheeler, and yes the cherry was for the car learning…. When I was lacking the confidence, everyday accompanying me to my office and then returning by bus.

He did it for a month, till I was able to drive on my own. Without a complaint, every single day from our Pune residence to Hinjewadi, so dedicatedly, he built the courage of driving for me. The first solo on expressway was with him by my side!

He stood by me in my difficult separation days, or job change days, accompanying every single time to where ever I had to go whether it was the court or a job interview. He was always there. He was a man of few words, but without saying much, Just his presence beside me meant a lot to me….and gave me the strength every time.

A man with courage, I always saw him being the frontrunner in many situations across life for not only his family but for others! He was always there selflessly and courageously. Learnt this from him in a big way!!!

I still remember in 1st standard, I had my head stuck in the window grill and I could not come out. Now don’t ask how I did this stupidity of putting my head in! But dad along with mom steadily, released me out of this situation… So many anecdotal stories to share about everything …. Years will be insufficient to describe!

The playing of cards (Rummy specifically) how much he used to enjoy. And he taught me to make the best Onion Pakodas ! I used to be his assistant to make them. He used to love the “Onion Khekda Bhaji” as we used to call it or making the potato pom pom!

Baba, I remember the lovely Holi function in office, or accompanying you in factory for tree plantation, the sports days in factory premise, the flag hoisting…..

Baba, you always accompanied me for my major results and admissions, took leave for my major exams to be around and come and drop and pickup. And yes, I remember the 10th standard exam, letting me see a movie the day prior to my algebra paper ! yet scoring a 149/150. You always believed in me…

And all those cricket matches miss your presence, how glued you would be to see matches after matches even if India was not playing. Admire your passion for cricket and sports …

And several moments of your parenting with Mumma…. And going to capture that separately…. This day is for you.

Baba, there are so many special memories of you that I can go on writing page after pages, how beautifully you transition from a care taker to be taken care off, without a murmur…. As your nurses said, you had been a role model patient, with whole lot courage, patience and calmness to bear all the pain through your illness without even a word of complain. There is so much to learn for everyone from this last phase of your life also….

Your will-power, your love, your trust …. I will always have your aura around me, where ever I go…. Baba, in gratitude to you being my father!

Baba, from you I keep with me for my life time learning: “The patience to bear any pain, be calm and help others in the most difficult situations, selflessly! “

A lot more to dedicate to you, but that will be to both you and mumma together, as wonderful parents… I am because of your good deeds… of both of you.

Fondly Remembering you Baba on you Birth Anniversary and the lovely times we have had together, praying for you for peace in eternity…