As the world pushes toward another Father's Day, I cannot help but remember and miss the father I was privileged to have–Harrilal Ragoo. Individuals my age usually acknowledge a fundamental love and respect for their fathers, but when it comes to having a human relationship with him, not many are able to say that. They usually refer to the typical 'Frank' character of the comedy hit series Everybody Loves Raymond... but my father was perhaps a character of his own.
He usually would sleep in front of the TV, and not have anyone change the channel while he is there, and he may have been short tempered at times (as fathers of his generation typically are). But under that sternness was a person who loved us so much that he could barely contain himself at times.I watched him from my childhood to the time of his passing, and I could never think of a moment when we needed him and he was not there.
Today I wish to offer my own celebration of a father who would take his children to school on a bike–as it was what he could have afforded at the time.A father who lost his first daughter and never cried–until the entire family was asleep. A father who was quick to punish–but even quicker to forgive and embrace. He was a visionary and dreamt dreams for his children–to live honest, decent humble lives, and to have it better than he did.
What I remember most about my Dad was him telling me that I do not have to feel shy to get his blessings, as he will always love and bless me. That's the kind of father that I wish to become one day.Daddy, we love you and miss you so much.May God bless you and keep you.To the new fathers, I beseech you to lead by example, and never forget your duty to your children. Best wishes and blessings to all.
Satesh Ragoo
Princes Town