Tasnia Shahrin
My father has always been a wonderful parent to me. I learn a new thing from him almost every day. He has taught me invaluable life lessons about work, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. As Father’s Day has just passed us, I want to use the opportunity to reflect on everything that I have learnt from my father and share it with the world.
Admit mistakes
It would be foolish for me to claim my father is the most perfect dad in the whole world. Truth is: He is not. But what melts my heart is that every time he makes a mistake, he humbly admits it and works to fix it.
Appreciate doctors
My father works as a doctor and I have been watching him work really hard since I was a child. From intense studying to working overnight at hospitals — from him, I learnt to appreciate the time, energy, commitment, and care that doctors show every day.
To be religiously active
Being a part of the active Muslim community, my father has taught me to always put my Namaaz first. I must say, the few times I got scolded by him was only when I was being lazy and delaying my prayers.
“Be a good friend to find a good friend”
Healthy friends cultivate healthy friendships. And my father taught and modelled what it means to be a good friend to others.
Be content with little
There were numerous times growing up when money was tight. Nevertheless, my father was content in it and managed the whole family really well.
Be content with much
There were also times when our bank accounts were healthy. Even more impressively, my father became stricter and taught me the necessity to spend wisely.
Be humble
We have nothing to prove. But we have everything to offer. My father taught me kindness and said the biggest medicine to cure the world is being kind to people.
Be open to criticism
We never stop learning, growing, and changing. My father was always open to being challenged in new ways — be they by our relatives or his colleagues. He dealt with every criticism in a dignified way and grew out as a better person.
Care about the right things
Our lives and resources are limited. And you just can’t care about everything. My father taught me to care about the right things.
Concern your life with more than money
My father always concerned himself with greater pursuits than money. He never thought twice before showering my cousins, relatives, domestic help, such as maids and drivers with pleasant gifts. Hence, he taught me that the more I give back, the more I will receive.
Disagree humbly
Nobody gets it right every time. I’m glad I learnt the importance of being able to disagree with genuine humility from him. (Sometimes I wish I learnt this even more.)
Forgive quickly
Wrongs happen and mistakes are made. Sometimes, those decisions hurt. But not granting forgiveness only harms yourself. There were many times when my father had disputes with his siblings – but it always ended in forgiveness and moving on.
Have an opinion
You can always count on my father to have an opinion. And thankfully so, he taught me the value of forming one.
Invite others
My father always sought to include others in our plans and lives. From him, I’ve learnt the value of this simple question, “Would you like to come with us?” Our world needs more people like that.
And lastly…
Pack an afternoon snack
My dad also taught me the value of a fun-size Snickers bar in the afternoon.
Stephanie Martson once said, “Everything our children hear, see, and feel is recorded onto a cassette. Guess who is the big star in their movie? You are.”
I am really grateful to God for giving me an absolute gem of a human being like my father. It is quite true that – when I count my blessings, I always count him twice.
Tasnia is a proud Slytherin who loves binging on poetry and graphic novels in her free time.