My loving father

I wanted to say a few words in memory of my loving father who passed away on April 14, 2016. My father, Mohammed Khalid Mohammed Farook, lived a remarkable life, one that inspired me greatly. From his positive attitude to his wide range of interests, to his joyful demeanour made him the best father a daughter could ever dream of. He was broadminded, loyal with his time, compassionate companion, my guiding light and a daughter's best friend.

My father was quiet but his silence spoke volumes. The warmth of his gaze, the sturdiness of his hugs, the tenderness of his hands spoke many things. His nod of approval, for a job well done said, "I'm proud of you."

In the years to come, I may not remember many of the words my father spoke, but the memories he conveyed without a word will stay in my heart.

Pursued

My father pursued his many endeavours diligently and rose to meet the daily challenges of life.

Whether it was putting our comforts before his or walking miles to work day and night, only to keep us happy, always made me proud to be his daughter. He was a thoughtful and strong-willed son. From the days of my childhood, I recall his long walks to visit his parents and spend quality time with them. He would do this daily and taught me that that parents were the world. I've treasured this advice and passed it on to my children as well.

I feel the emptiness, now that one of my true well wishers isn't here to guide me. Death slips into moments it should have no part in. Every moment is a reminder of the loss of my father. Death should not be in the ceremony, but there it is, waving to me.

I don't want death to follow me like this; I want to remember him. His laugh, his arms and his love. I'm grateful to have a father with whom I have tons of memories to cherish.

My father had a philosophical approach to life. He was one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever known.

He lived by and I could also recollect him say, "A thief could come in at any point of time and steal every little thing you've ever owned, but one thing he can never steal from you is the knowledge and education you gain in life".

Perspective

He had a great perspective when it came to the little things, and never displayed anger or impatience. Instead, he showed dignity and humour.

Whether it was his health battles or something little that upset him; even when his death was approaching, he was extremely patient and tolerant in his last days.

He was hell bent and possessive over the books he owned and never would he let a soul lay a finger on his treasured possessions, but when his end was approaching and he told his grandchildren to claim any of these prized possessions - it brought us all to tears. He extended this philosophy no matter what obstacle he faced, even death.

The strength of his character showed even in criticism and how he forgave freely, and I have always admired this trait as it was one of the things that motivated me and gave me the strength to bear and face the obstacles in my life. With a few wry words, my father could be far more damning than most people could achieve with any strong language, he was a man of his words and he knew how to use them, and when to use them as well.

Butterfly kisses

He's always there for me and looked after me and raised me with care. He taught me how to fly my first kite . Dad wiped my tears and gave me butterfly kisses, having the best knack to make everything better.

He took my siblings and me for every age-appropriate movie that was ever released, without fail. He would organise the best trips around Lanka during our holidays.

God saw him getting tired and there was no cure to be, so he whispered "come to me". With tearful eyes we watched his breathing pattern change and slowly fade away.

Although we loved him dearly, we couldn't make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands were put to rest, and our hearts were broken, to prove God only took the best.

I believe my father is among the blessed people and it is evident by the immense amount of people who assisted, prayed and asked for the best for him.

It's said that when a man dies and is lowered into the grave is when he needs your prayers the most. So, I would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone on his behalf for being there for him when he needed you the most.

Farhat Farook