My father never said “I love you” out loud. But he didn’t have to—he made sure we always felt it.
Every gesture, every wordless connection, every silent presence—it all spoke volumes. He was a good father. No, he was a wonderful one. We are four sisters, and he gave each of us a childhood that felt safe, joyful, and deeply loved. When I look back at my life, the purest form of love I’ve ever known has been from my father.
From my earliest memories, he was always there, cheering me on. If I was getting ready for an event, he’d say, “You’ll stand out today. You look amazing.” Those little words built my self-worth. They made me feel seen and safe. And for a child, there’s nothing more beautiful than being loved without having to earn it.
Even when I didn’t do well in school, he never shouted. He never made me feel small. He didn’t shame me or compare me. He simply stood beside me—quietly, patiently. That silence, filled with love, went deeper than any lecture ever could. It made me want to do better, not out of fear, but because I was loved so unconditionally.
I still remember those sweet, special days of childhood. The treats, the surprises, the snacks—oh, how generously he gave. Even now, as we’re grown, he still brings us our favorite snacks. I remember one time he brought back so many goodies, we couldn’t even carry them all. The joy? It was real. It came from him. He never asked for anything in return. Even during my academic struggles, he never stopped doing the things I loved. He never said, “Why don’t you study better?” Instead, he just continued being the father he always was—constant, kind, and full of love. And somehow, that made me want to do better, to make him proud, quietly and sincerely.
As a teenager, I didn’t always understand. Sometimes, in frustration, I shouted at him. But today, as I’ve grown, I realize—no one in this world ever made space for me the way he did. He made room for me not just in our home, but in his heart.
I once cried over a dress because I didn’t get compliments from my sister—and he bought me a new outfit, just like that. No questions asked. Who does that? Only a father like mine.
Life taught me that people can leave, people can hurt. But my father? He never did. Even if he had scolded me a thousand times, I would forgive him—because the love and effort he gave outweigh everything else.
He isn’t highly educated, but he worked so hard to ensure we had the best education. He’s the reason we live comfortably. He’s the reason my childhood was beautiful.
And then came the hardest moment—COVID-19 in 2021.
My father fell seriously ill. Hospitals were full. Lockdown was strict. We had to treat him at home. And for the first time, I truly feared losing him. I prayed like never before, begging God not to take him away. That moment shifted something deep in me. I always knew he was important—but then I realized, he is everything.
He is the warmth of my childhood.
He is the reason I feel safe in this world.
He is the first person who ever made me believe in love.a
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