Mi Papa
There are 45 ways to utter the word Dad in various languages.
- Yiddish : tatti ; tay ; foter ; tateh
- Welsh : tad
- Venetian : pare ; popà ; ‘opà ; pupà ; papà
- Turkish : baba
- Spanish : papá ; viejo ; tata
- Swahili : baba ; mzazi
- Swedish : pappa
- Slovak : otec
- Slovenian : ôèe
- Sicilian : patri
- Sanskrit : tàtah ; janak
- Russian : papa
- Romanian : tata ; parinte ; taica
- Polish : tata ; ojciec
- Portuguese : pai
- Persian/Farsi : pedar, pitar ; simply baabaa
- Norwegian : pappa ; far
- Nepali : buwa
- Maori : haakoro ; kohake
- Marathi : baba
- Malay : bapa
- Latvian : tevs
- Latin : pater ; papa ; atta
- Lithuanian : tevas ; pradininkas ; protevis
- Korean: abonim, aboji, appa
- Japanese : otosan, papa
- Italian : babbo
- Irish : athair ; daidí
- Indonesian : bapa ; ayah ; pak
- Hungarian : apa ; apu ; papa ; édesapa
- Hindi : papa ; pita-ji
- Hebrew : abba(h)
- German : banketi, papi
- French : papa
- Finnish : isä
- Filipino : tatay, itay, tay ; ama
- Estonian : isa
- English : father ; dad ; daddy ; pop ; poppa ; papa
- Dutch : vader ; papa ; pappie
- Czech : táta, otec
- Croatian : otac
- Bosnian : otac
- Brazilian Portuguese : pai
- Arabic : babba ; yebba ; abbi (classical)
- Afrikaans : vader
No matter what you call your dad, but showing him the respect and love for all that he has done for you will speak a thousand words.
A Mom and a Dad are the prerequisites for life for all human beings. Most are fortunate to get their love and attention, and some don't.
Going back to the 20th century
A Dad is supposed to be the family's bread earner, and he always takes on the responsibility of keeping his family safe and happy. He is expected to be the IRON-MAN of his family, and the children dote on him. He is never supposed to cry, and he can withstand all the extreme calamities of the universe. Children love him, and they want to be like him in the future to come. Most children take up the profession of their Dads since they adore all that he does. Such is the wonder of a Papa.
I had a similar Dad, who was as strong as Superman and fierce as a hurricane. Nothing could bend him over in his life, but when he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at Stage 4. I could see all the above disappear into thin air. He bent to this disease gracefully but fought it till the end.
He could not take the burden of being dependent on people and constantly struggled with a brave heart and a smile. He had this strong urge to return to work and had his briefcase beside the bed that used to inspire him daily. The disease had spread to his bones, which made his pain unbearable. He used to have tears in his eyes because of the pain, but the strong urge to get better and get on with his life was contagious.
Sometimes we used to give in, but seeing his determination to fight; made us say motivating words to him.
Until the end, he was making plans to visit places, but, toward his last few hours left on this planet, he realized that the Almighty had something else in store for him, so he made sure he rewarded all the Attendants who looked after him in the hospital and bid Adios with a peaceful expression on his face and a gentle smile.
He was a Great and Strong father yet Gentle at heart. He made sure his children got the best education, the best of clothing and were in the best of behavior at all times. His addiction to BEST is now understood.
He could never say NO to any of us, including his business associates, and today, they remember him as one of a kind person who made sure all deals went through even if he were at a loss.
Like all dads, my papa regarded his work as worship and did a terrific job. He had a significant share of ups and downs but never did he call it quits. Some duped him, but he forgave them and continued his work and life. I never saw him take a U-Turn and give up on things. He was always at his work, whether rain or shine, duped or successful from his job. I am proud to be his daughter, and I pray that his soul rests in peace since he went through enough turmoil in this lifetime BUT with a SMILE. I plan to adapt some key points from his attitude toward life.
Adios and farewell, Papa, You will be dearly missed. Until I see you again, I am proud to be your daughter!
© 2010 Ruchira