The Kid Speaks
Pulled from the dark comfort of the womb into a bright, unfamiliar world — I cry.
I cry out of confusion, fear, and cold.
And then… warmth.
I am embraced by an angel who feeds me, calms me, and holds me close.
That angel is my Mom.
Energized by her love, I look around. I need a place to rest, a shoulder to lean on.
There he is — my Dad. Strong, smiling, ready to carry me.
In the beginning, all I know is to feed and sleep.
Then I begin to feel the magic of my mom’s endless love, and the comforting presence of my dad, appearing now and then with his broad arms and deep voice.
When I cry, Dad rocks me gently in his arms until I sleep.
When I smile, he laughs like he’s been gifted the world.
When I take my first steps, it’s his finger I hold.
Both my mom and dad are my world.
But soon… I begin to resist.
I want things my way.
Dad starts saying “No” more often. He’s stubborn, he’s strict. He corrects me, pushes me to be better.
And I begin to wonder — Why can’t he be like Mom?
The Teen Speaks
As I grow older, my world grows too.
Social media, friends, fun, freedom… that’s all I want.
Mom supports me. She trusts me. She lets me be.
Dad?
He sets rules. Schedules. Tuition classes. Study targets.
He pushes. He insists. He reminds me of the future.
And slowly, a quiet resentment grows in me toward him.
The Young Adult Speaks
Now I’m ready for college.
Dad wants me to join a professional course.
I say… “No.”
I choose an Arts college instead.
Still, he doesn’t fight me.
He finds me the best college possible — and even gifts me a racing bike.
He suggests Economics.
I say… “No.”
I take Politics.
I dive into student activism.
I become a leader, popular on campus.
Mom is proud.
Dad is worried.
He sees me drifting and advises me — daily.
One day I shout at him:
“Don’t interfere in my life!”
He looks… broken.
But still, I think, Why can’t he be like Mom?
Eventually, I pass as an average student and become a clerk.
At times, I wonder… should I have listened to him?
Life goes on.
Love enters my life.
I marry with both my parents’ blessings.
The Dad Speaks
Love grows, and soon… I become a dad.
A full circle.
Now, my child cries. Demands. Throws tantrums.
And I… I lose patience.
I try to teach him discipline, honesty, values.
I shout.
And he looks at me — hurt, confused, angry.
Maybe thinking, Why can’t Dad be like Mom?
I think of my own dad.
Did he feel this way about me?
Was he hurt the way I’m hurt now?
Still, I guide my child, push him toward greatness.
And he achieves it. He makes it to the top.
Mom – his grandma – is overjoyed.
My heart swells with pride.
He begins showering me with gifts, care, love.
I feel seen. Appreciated.
At last.
But now, in this quiet chapter of my life, I sit and reflect…
The Final Realisation
What did I give my dad?
How many times did I say “No” to him?
How often did I wound his heart without knowing?
I never gave him peace.
I never truly said “Yes” to him.
And now… he’s gone.
Too late.
Too late to hug him, thank him, or say:
“You were right. I see it now.”
I always wanted Dad to be like Mom.
But now I realized:
Mom is love.
Dad is strength.
They are not parallels.
They are pillars — equal, but different.
Dad is GREAT.
But sometimes… we realise it too late.
— Gnanam
Writer & Storyteller at FullyMommed.com
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