The root of love

I spent this past week mostly within the four walls I've come to find comfort in; my classroom, meeting assignment deadlines, absorbing knowledge and watching reruns of the same movie, The Last Song. I guess it's safe to say that the movie was the saving grace of my routined week. After having watched it for almost 5 times, due to various reasons, a string of thoughts have been sparked in my mind.

Mind you, I did not watch it because the main role was played by Miley. I'm not one of those obsessed tween Miley/ Hannah Montana fans, but I don't hate her either. Just like any other girl who is in the process of growing up and blossoming in young ladies, she is on a journey of self-discovery. That's not the main reason anyway. I bothered to watch this movie in the first place because it was another story written by the man who knows the depth of love to it's very core, Nicholas Sparks.

Being someone who is too emotionally inclined with my feelings, I wept my heart out while watching this film as it reminded me of what love feels like when that special someone is around, of what it feels like to be fought for and most of all, I was reminded of the relationship I have with my Dad. No, I don't exactly share my feelings about the opposite sex with him or have deep conversations but I guess I'm one of those lucky ones who are on good terms with their Dad.

I tend to wonder quite often about the powerful impact a father has in their daughter's life. Why do fathers so easily succeed when it comes to inspiring their little angels when mums often struggle to maintain the 'good parent' status? Although it has become a fact that daughters are a Dad's favourite and sons are their momma's boys, I still can't help but wonder why it has to be so.Why is it that I have a certain soft spot in my heart for my father but a slightly different feeling when it comes to my mother? Don't get me wrong though, I love them both regardless.

It was over a conversation I had with my Dad on the way back home from church a few weeks ago, when I felt as though he knew me better than I know myself. As the ever doting and responsible father that he is, he felt the need to ignite a flaming determination within me to want to excel in my studies. He gave me one of those hand-book pep-talks any other father would give their daughter when they turn to a certain age. This time, it was about achievement, leadership and basically just encouraging me to put in the effort to achieve my goals - be it in the future or in the here and now.

I'm paraphrasing but there were a few things he said that struck me deep.

"You'll only ever know the feeling of accomplishment once you've gone through it yourself".

"I am where I am today because I put in the hard word to get to where I am. It doesn't matter if you're first in place or not. What matters is that in whatever you do, you give it your best shot".

"There will come a time in your life when all you would want to do is to be an inspiration in other people's life, especially in your own children's. You'd want to be someone they look up to and set footprints for them to follow".

What would I do without my Dad around to be the root that keeps me grounded in this life I lead?