When I was born into this world, you taught me how to walk. When I walked into the world, you taught me how to run. When I ran into the world, head on, you taught me when to stop. And when I stopped, altogether, you made sure I was strong enough to face everything with my head held high.
You rejoiced with me in every Joy I felt. You stood by me and cried with me, if the situation demanded, just to make me feel the shoulder you gave. You felt elated when I smiled and I know it must have killed you internally to watch us cry.
You were silent with all the struggles you faced outside. You never seeked attention and yet all you wanted was a selfie with me. To make me think you're the "Super Dad!", yet you don't realise you are one. Yes, you are.
You had your dreams shattered. You had your hopes broken. You had your efforts put so hard despite it taking a toll on you. All because you wanted to provide us, your Family. You wanted us to enjoy the fruits of life you never had. You wanted us to not endure the hardships you faced.
You sacrifice everything just for our sake, yet you don't fuss about it. You fight for us. You smile, just for our sake, even when all you want to do was cry. You put us infront of everything and you watch everything from the sidelines. You motivate us with your wizened knowledge and experience.
I sit here, wondering if I can ever be as great and sacrificial as you are. If I can be ever so selfless and caring and wise, all at the same time. If I can teach my child the nuances of Life, like you did to me. Fatherhood is indeed a great responsibility and you always seem to excel in it.
You stand on a quicksand that pulls you deeper and deeper into itself. Inspite of it, you make me sit upon your shoulder just so I can get a better view.
Appa, I thank you for bringing me into this world and for being the best teacher one can ask for. I thank you for providing me with this Life I live and I will forever be grateful for these all, not bound by responsibility, but by the untold, unexpressed Love we seem to share.
Real heroes never wear capes, do they?