Some years ago, a commercial was released that aptly captured the bond, strong emotion and love my sister and I’ve always had for our dad.

Even today, I feel like the little girl at the end of the commercial, who adorably expresses her feelings and says the catchiest taglines ever, ‘My Daddy Strongest.’ Today on his birthday, I want to share the lovely bond my sister and I have with dad.

My sister being the first born, was closest to dad’s heart. She was daddy’s little princess whereas dad and I have always been more of buddies. Growing up, I emulated him, and spent every possible passing minute with him, watching cricket, tennis tournaments especially the Wimbledon tournament and if it were a match between Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi, ooh we were completely hooked, listening to ghazals, and playing chess were some of our common hobbies.

I had a mischievous streak and was extremely short tempered; embarrassed him at multiple occasions, but he never got livid. At this moment, I can recall one out of many goofy things I did. I fought with one of our closest friend’s son because he was about to defeat dad in a game of chess. In a fit of anger, I pushed him and aggressively moved my hand across the chess board, displacing all the pieces. Oh! I could never see dad lose or weak.  For the longest of period of time he has been my hero until he faced stiff competition, when hubby dearest came into my life.

He has loved us like no one else can, has been our biggest cheer leader, celebrating and rejoicing our each feat no matter how small and has blindly believed in our abilities. This faith has both challenged and motivated us sisters to go up and beyond our capabilities.  

Dad you have been fighting all your worldly and health battles like a warrior, some of which I may have disagreed with, but still your relentless passion to never give up is what I admire most about you. Today, on your birthday, sista and I want to say we love you and re-ignite our childish spirit and if possible one day scream together from the roof top of Burj Khalifa “My Daddy Strongest.”