Tribute to Fathers
Hello… Wassup… Last weekend was the weekend to celebrate
Fathers… And I’m blessed and lucky to have one whom I admired, and respect…
Since I’ve posted “Tribute to Mothers”, it’s only fair that
I should do one for Fathers too, am I right? Father… Let me just talk about
mine… It’s a long time coming, but I’ve been busy, as was in KL last week, and
I only got back in Sunday. Is it too late? Hope not…
My dad’s name is Mering Jau, but the he’s also known by his
adopted European/English name of Andrew… He was a Beatles fan, and he once told
me, he wanted to choose the name Ringgo, following Ringgo Star (their drummer).
Maybe he didn’t want to be ridiculed, he then settled for the more conventional
Andrew (‘’,).
How do I describe my father? Well, in my younger days, there
was a period in my life where he’s practically a single parent. When my mother
furthered her studies way back in 1990 till 1994, he raised me and my brother
alone… We were in Miri, then he moved us to Johor Bahru, in 1991-1994, so that
we would be closer to my mum in Bangi.
Though my father was considerably busy, I wouldn’t say we
(me and my brother) were neglected. Actually, my late grandfather (dad’s
father) was also living with us, together with my aunt (mom’s younger sister).
They shared the responsibility of raising us up…
I had a happy childhood, because everything was taken care
of, and I was rather comfortable. My dad always make time for us, and once, or
sometimes twice a month, we would go to KL to visit my mom.
I would have to credit my father for instilling the spirit
of independence in me and my brother. Because of his work commitment (he
sometimes travel around the state of Johor), he would not be able to pick us up
from school, or drive us anywhere. Because of that, I’m able to move on my own.
Sometimes by bus, if it’s not too far, by foot. But then, in those days, I’m
not really into the “lepak” culture, I would rather be at home, watching TV… A
couch potato. Needless to say, my time in JB was the when I’m at my “tubbiest”.
My father also laid the foundation of English speaking in
me. He forced us to speak English, and if we speak in Malay or Kayan, he
wouldn’t answer. The reason, we speak enough Malay at school, and Kayan with
our relatives, but to him, it must be in English. Not everyday, usually, on
alternates…he would usually announce, “today is English speaking day”, and so
it was.
I remembered, when I’m in standard one, he already made me
memorize the multiplication table, though I remember, we haven’t do
multiplications yet. I did it slowly, but by middle of the year, I can memorize
till 12. I speak rather good English,
and I’m good in Maths… That’s all because of him and my mom…
I love my father… The values he instill in me… He doesn’t
discipline me with cane (not exactly, he does if I went too far), or force me
to study till I can’t take it anymore. He did a good job in teaching about
balance. He made me see, that there’s always a repercussion for our actions.
Too much TV or entertainment will affect our studies.
To achieve something, sacrifices must be made… Nothing comes
easy, and we have to work for everything. Sometimes, we’ll be blessed, good be
thankful, but we still have to work, be independent, and contribute to society
and kingdom of God.
He’s a good motivator, made me see
the important of education. I would have to credit him for that. Though both
mom and dad played their role, but he was more involve in our life, especially
when we’re young… It was his idea to make us remember the multiplaction tables,
and speak English. He laid the foundation, and I’m indebted to him. I wouldn’t
be where I am, if not for him.
Nowadays, I’m an adult. My father is still the one I turn to
for advice. Right now, I would describe my relationship with him a more like a
friend. I can’t really like “manja”2x with him… Actually, I’ve stopped being
manja with him since I turned teenager (13 years maybe). To “manja”, I do that
with my mom…hehe… Mummy’s boy…
But, I still do have an utmost respect for him…My father…
Despite being a man, whenever we talked on the phone, he’ll always end the
conversation with “I love you”… He just not loves me with his actions, but
words too… Now that’s A REAL MAN!
I’m saying this… Because sometimes we men… We only think
that… we show our love through actions… This is something we should also do, we
should also say it!
For you Mr. Mering Jau, thank you for being my father, for
being there… The one I love, the one who set the benchmark…. I wouldn’t be
where I am if not for you… God bless you and I love you always!
