When it comes to expressing affection and appreciation for her father, this writer believes that no physical gift can be as meaningful as a written message with her heartfelt thoughts is
My father, Percy Shroff, was among the first Shroffs to be born in Japan. He grew up with an incredibly supportive father figure, who left India in 1920 to do trade in Shanghai and later made his way to Kobe after World War II.
My grandfather was—as I remembered him—a gentle old man, with an unlimited supply of Polo mints in his pocket and the silent, quiet strength of someone who had been through hardship one couldn’t imagine.
He passed his gentle yet strong character on to my father, who, at the same time, is also very passionate about the little things in life. It’s my dad who taught me how to ride a bike, enjoy all kinds of foods, express love and value the small moments in our day.
He made my Halloween costumes from scratch, he watched The Little Mermaid every weekend with my sister and I. These memories that I hold dear in my heart cost not one single cent. They were about activities we did together—arts and crafts, rollerblading and so on—and hugs and cuddles that fill my mind and heart. The most important thing he taught us, however, was to place the family unit above all else.
I am fortunate enough to have learnt so much from my father—particularly to cherish what is important and sacred in life, and how best to show affection and love. To this day, my father still keeps the drawings and letters I made and wrote as a kid, the emails I wrote to him when I was in college, and all the birthday messages I sent him. He stores them in folders stacked neatly in his office.
Related: Father’s Day 2021: How to Celebrate with Dad at Home in Singapore
Many people today will think that being sent an expensive floral bouquet composed of exotic blooms flown overnight from Amsterdam—or some other costly, showy gift—is a big display of love. We are constantly being led to think—by the media or advertising—that gifting a loved one with a material item is the best way to demonstrate affection.
I am not saying that I don’t enjoy receiving gifts or flowers (which I do), but there are many other “gifts” that can make a deeper, more meaningful impact. It’s something I learnt from my father and will pass on to my children. Expressing what and how you feel towards someone in words is actually the greatest gift you can present a partner, family member or dear friend.
