Grateful for the precious love that a father and daughter shared

How does one write an appreciation to a person who meant everything to you, who supported you every step of the way and brought you to where you are today? Usually when someone near to our family passes, my dad, used to ask me to write an appreciation and he would check it for me. Today, I sit alone writing this appreciation - knowing he’s not there to check this for me, but hoping I have made him proud in some small way. It’s been nearly four months since my dad left me and every day has been hard.

Dad - Ranjit David, was an amazing man, and this is not just a daughter’s perspective, but this is about a man who was a great father, husband, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague, neighbour and friend. If I was asked to describe him in one word, I would not be able to. He was generous and giving, humble and honest, caring yet assertive, loyal and dedicated, wise and cautious, humorous and fun, and most of all to me, loving and concerned.

Growing up with him as my dad was the best gift I could have been blessed with. He was always an active part of my life as a father, from making sure my school booklists were in order - to the extent of neatly writing out our names on special stickers on school books, to my days at the Law Faculty, where he would make sure he gets all the necessary government publications for me to make sure I want for nothing - as far as my studies were concerned.

Family meant everything to him. The way he cared for his siblings was an example to us all. Respect those older to you, regardless of human failings was something he showed us by example through how much he respected both his elder brothers and sisters. His love for his youngest sister, despite differences was obvious given his concern for her wellbeing to the very end. His nieces and nephews were treated like his own children. He would always check on families, make sure he made routine calls and visits to those not well, or lonely.

As a true sportsman, he did his alma mater - St Michael’s Batticaloa proud, being on the national basketball team, and the team for cricket and football. In the later part of his life he was an ardent tennis player, and we would have constant banter about his sports trophies versus mine for music. He never boasted about his achievements, rather silently continued to help others and give them the push they needed to start a career. He didn’t insist that I also pursued sports, but instead encouraged me, together with my mother, every step of the way in my musical journey.

I can proudly say that without his support, my musical career certainly would not have got started. Dad would patiently wait till my music lessons were over, and pick me up from Manning Mansions every week. He would get me my favorite pizza - which was then from Sponge- and stand by the gate of my school, to make sure my lunch break was sorted during both my O’L and A’L examinations. Education was important to him. He was a strict disciplinarian and made sure correct values were instilled in me -dressing decently and neatly, where respect would be earned by the way you carry yourself and behave, to values of commitment, hard work and loyalty. Reporting to work, unless you were really sick was something he insisted upon.

He would make it a point to talk and joke with my classmates - memories they fondly shared, a few weeks ago. He would talk to all the girls in the choir, whenever they visited home for choir practices, and put up with all the noise. If I had a concert coming up, it was dad who insisted that I had proper publicity. He hated not being in control and wanted to do things ‘his way’ - but always with the best of intentions. He would always tell me ‘time and tide wait for no man” and insist on making the most of every opportunity. Procrastination was taboo. He led by a life of example. Time was precious, which is probably why he lived life to the fullest, with no regrets. He taught me to dream big, accept challenges and always be positive.

He was never too busy for anyone, a lesson most of us can learn from him- including myself. Anonymous calls and pranks on sometimes innocent victims were a favourite pastime and I fondly recall the many times together with his nephew Jude, he would make prank calls and we would be in fits of laughter.

He was wise in his decisions, and humility was key- wealth was not a want, but rather need based, and his needs were very little. In my opinion, dad was the perfect role model for a dad, - where he would silently watch me grow, advise me when needed, but most importantly support me on every move of my life. He would always be encouraging and not forget to give a word of support or show appreciation.

He was an honest man, and would not fail to point out mistakes. Lies and deceit he detested. Life throws at us many obstacles and challenges along the way, but to be able to face them all, in a dignified manner was what my dad did. Never have I seen him being anxious - or rather if he was, he never showed it. He was God fearing and believed in a personal relationship with God, not merely out of duty or obligation.

I could go on and on about the man who was my hero, who was indeed the best gift God gave me. He taught me many lessons in life, but I think the most important lesson he taught me was when he left his earthly dwellings - in that - nothing in life is permanent, and I quote from a note he left behind “Everyone has to go through birth, aging, sickness and death, there is no exception, -this is life”-- but in this journey of life, it is important that we leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

My dad - Ranjit David, left the best of memories for me, and so many others to treasure forever. As I continue to try to keep his legacy alive and uphold the values he instilled in me, I live in hope that I would someday meet him never to be parted again. Till then, I would always remain - Ranjit David’s daughter, something he never wanted me to forget. They say a daughter/father bond is very special, and I am truly grateful I got to experience the precious love that a father and daughter shared -memories I cling on to.

Soundarie David Rodrigo