Hi Dad,

Here’s an open letter to you because even if the letter was sealed, you would have to open it anyway. Get it? Get it? Hold the cringe right there. In case you have forgotten, I’ve had to bear with all of your bad jokes for as long as I can remember, so this is payback time. Sort of.

Now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you why I’m writing this letter in the first place. You might want to sit down before you read this, ok? So here goes. Remember all the WhatsApp forwards you send me? I don’t really download any of those. And before you go melodrama on me, let me clarify that while I may not download those pictures, I do follow all your advice. I drink water (mostly), exercise (try to), eat dry fruits (whenever they are around), and try to stay away from junk food (again, try to).

Now, dad, I may seem like a lost cause to you but trust me, you’ve not done such a bad job. I mean, I am presentable. I chew with my mouth closed. Well, who am I kidding? You have done a terrific job.

I know that I was an annoying child. Or so I’ve been told. I don’t believe them all that much, though. But the point is that you always kept it together. No matter what.

I just want you to know that I really appreciate the fact that you didn’t throw me out with the garbage even when I peed on your favorite shirt. And patiently watched the same cartoon with me for about 500 times a day without gouging your (or my) eyes out. And woke up at unearthly hours to take me to football practice. And didn’t lose it when I drew ghastly things on the wall.

I’m pretty sure you didn’t quite enjoy doing my calculus homework with me or having to drag me back home from the playground while I created a most unsightly ruckus. But who else would have done all this for me!

Thank you, dad. For everything. I know you didn’t take the easy way out. And I’m trying not to take the easy way out either. So, make sure you have my favorite food ready when I show up, ok? Ok.

Forever,
Your offspring!

P.S. In case you didn’t get it, I’m coming home on Sunday and I want samosas.

This father’s day, Amazon is reminding us to do more than just send a gift to dad. This time around, let’s spend time with him. Maybe unwrap that racquet and play a game once again, listen to the good old songs together, carry new editions of his favorite author and read a couple of new stories together. What we do isn’t that much important as long as we are present. This time, let’s choose to deliver the love.