I love you Dad

My dad retires today- 19 Jan 2006, only in his career, but he is still working full-time as a wonderful father and husband ;-)

He is 60 years old this year. A few weeks ago, he told me that he has worked for 42 years, starting at the age of 18 years old. And me, starting to work only at 27, makes me work lesser than my dad by almost 10 years. I am really amazed by my dad’s strength. Never once I heard him complain to his kids about his job. He is always so grateful and so content. And here I am, sometimes complaining about small little things in my work.

When my dad rretires from his first job as an army, he was jobless for a while. My dad always seems to put things under control, he always seems to know...although at that time in the 80s, a job is hard to get. I remembered back then, dad still being jobless, bought a house in Malacca, my dad said ‘lucky him he bought a small house in KL, earning him some money from selling it’. I am glad too, our house in Malacca is where all beautiful memories were born :-). Then, one day, mum told us that dad got job as a mechanic servicing planes in a new airport in Malacca. Somehow this job is for him, he is really a great mechanic. Since then, dad has been working there, working OT either late at night or early in the morning. He is always the one who prepares us to school. I still remember his voice saying ‘Lee, time to wake up’.

Although my dad may look fierce, but when you get to know him, he is will smile from ear to ear to welcome you. He is very friendly and humble. He told us a story that I remembered till today. When he was 18, we worked in a shop that sells sewing machines, earning less than RM100. He could barely survive with that money. An Indian friend of my dad came to ask for financial help. He needed some money to pay for his bar exam. My dad, being him, never hesitated to borrow him the money, although many people have adviced him otherwise. And today, my dad’s friend is a successful lawyer and of course, we get free consultation ever since ;-). To name it all, dad has a kind and loving heart. He is a responsible and righteous person. I really believe he is only person I know who try to keep the law.

I guess my dad has a lot of influence on us, I think especially me. I truly looked up at him very much. I always feel that he knows all about me. He never once failed to calm and soothe my heart whenever I am down, sad or angry. I dont know whether it is his voice, or his words, or his deep understanding of my character, to me, he is just so magical and wonderful when it comes to deal with me. So, since young, I always always try to do my best, in my studies and work, just to make him proud. I just want to give him something he can be proud off. I know in my heart he is.

My dad doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ yet. It is one thing that makes me really sad plus worry too. Please please Father in Heavens, bring your grace to my home in Malacca. We really need You in our life and Thank you Father for your blessing in our home.

~totoro~