HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today is Father's Day... Never in my life been celebrating father's day with dad...

Deep in my heart, I have always been feeling very guilty and always feel that I never did enough for dad for what he has sacrificed for the family so far... But dad never complain...

Infact dad is actually someone whom I admired very, very much. He has lots of qualities which I really hope I can inherit from him...

One thing for sure...Dad is surely one of the most industrious person on earth that I ever known. He really worked hard for money and never ever once complain to us. He was a sundry shopkeeper. When he was running the sundry shop, within a year, he has only 4 off days which is during the Chinese New Year. He even work on Sundays. He earned hard money to support my education and the whole family. He worked from 7am to 11pm everyday.

Dad is surely someone who earned every single cents he could. I still remember when I was at secondary school I have to help out at the shop. One day, there was a customer ordering half scraped coconut and to be sent to her house. Her house is located about 5km away from the shop. Dad asked me to send the coconut to her house. I was very angry saying that its only half a coconut and the house is so far away yet still have to send it. Dad insisted on it saying that if we wanted to keep customers, we must provide good service to customers. At that time, no one in the family can drive a car or ride a motorcycle. We send the goods no matter how far by bicycle.
Can you imagine half a coconut only cost 25cents and how much my dad can earn out of it? Every evening, I also have to send bread to the customers. At that time, a loaf of sunshine bread costs only 50cents. But as a service to customers, I have to send it.

I still remember when at night, dad loves to watch football or badminton matches. And everytime he watches the matches, he will surely fall asleep while sitting on the sofa. We will be giggling and laughing at dad. We were small then and do not understand how tired dad must be.
During the afternoon, if dad can have a short nap, it will be a big pleasure for him.

Dad studied Chinese school right up to standard six only. He has to work at very young age because he has to help out to support the family. Dad is the eldest male in the family. He really gave me a good example as how he took care of his family. Till this very day, he will constantly make phone calls to his sisters and brothers. And whenever he has the chance he will pay a visit to them. Should there be any big ceremony for the family member, he is sure to make a point to be there.

Dad's best policy is honesty. He always believe that we have to be responsible and reliable all the time. So, whenever dad is in bad financial position, he can easily get a loan from his friends or family member.

Even though dad studied only to standard six, he knows the importance of education. Thats the reason why he always encourages us to study hard.

When I was in Ipoh, my bakery business was doing very well. I asked dad to give up his business and come to help me out. He has to open invoices and give stocks to the customers. He is willing to give up his own business just to help me out at the bakery. He really sacrificed so much for me.

When he gave up his business in Melaka, most of his customers and friends really missed him. There are full of praises for my parents. They made many friends and are always very good to the neighbours. One of his customers told me, since dad shifted away, they can never enjoy a better service than anyone.

Leong (brother) and I insisted that parents should retire. Since 2 years ago, they have shifted to stay with Leong. Even so, whenever big festival is going on, dad still travel all the way to Butterworth to help Eng (sister).

I always feel heartache each time I met up with dad. He looks older and older. But I always feel lucky that dad is as healthy as ever. He really takes care of his health. Everyday 6am, he will go for morning walk. He has been doing this since he was 40.

Dad... I wish that you can live as long posible. You are definitely the best dad in the world...

DAD... I LOVE YOU...