Commentary: Happy Abu’s Day!
By Zainab Susi
It’s been 49 years since my Abu (father) passed away. Every year on Father’s Day, I miss him. Wish he was alive so I can call him, Abu. My Amee told me when I was three years old, my Abu had passed away. I don’t have any memories of him. I miss the Abu I made up in my head. I remember as a child wishing that he wasn’t gone. Was always hoping that one day the doorbell would ring, and he would be home. I envisioned him looking very happy and healthy. He would hold me in his arms, swing me around, and give me lots of presents as if he had just returned from a business trip. From that day on, my Amee and my sisters would live happily ever after. The reality was and is that he did die, when I was at a young age.
Today, I am writing and thinking about my Abu. I have seen his pictures, handwriting, personal belongings such as his jacket, writing pad, briefcase, and camera. Through those things I have created memories about him.
Growing up Amee and other family members always told me that I looked like him. I always felt great about it. I was born on a religious day and he was very happy about it, he picked my name “Zainab”. The day after I was born, he got a good business deal and I was his good luck daughter. I was close to him. When I turned one-year-old, he threw a huge party for me. Amee tells me that I remind her of him. Every time I look at my face in the mirror I search for him in my own face.
My Abu’s name was Mohammed Madar Susi. He was born in Kharghar, India, on February 15, 1929. He passed away on March 17, 1975 at the age of 46. He was a photographer and loved to take other people’s pictures. His hobbies were writing short stories, drawing human sketches. Abu was 6 ft. 2 inches tall like his own father.
Just writing about Abu makes me want to meet him more. I wish I had memories with him. When it comes down to your parent’s age, it doesn’t matter. I am proud to say that he was my Abu and will always miss him.
Fathers’ are also as important as mothers’. They play a huge role in a child’s life. As a society, we don’t give fathers’ as much credit as they deserve. Not all mothers are good moms’, just like that not all fathers’ are good dads’. I personally know many good fathers’ near and far who are doing an excellent job. Many fathers’ are so much better parents than many mothers’. They love their family/kids just like moms’ do.
If you’re lucky enough to still have your father, please don’t take them for granted. Make sure to talk and visit them. On this year’s Father’s Day, I wish all dads’ a very Happy Father’s Day.
“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” ~Anne Geddes
