Growing up, many of us often heard the famous song that praises a mother’s love. Society talks a lot about how great mothers are, and rightfully so. But when it comes to fathers, their love is mentioned far less.
In reality, fathers often play a quiet but powerful role in shaping the lives of their children. They may not express their feelings openly, but their love is shown through responsibility, sacrifice, and constant care for their family.
My father is one of those men.
From the day I was born until today, he has never scolded me or hit me. He is a gentle and patient father who shows his care through actions rather than words.
When I was younger, I loved going to the river after school to fish and play. Ironically, I didn’t even know how to swim. My father was always worried about my safety. No matter where I went, he would ride his old motorbike and somehow manage to find me.
At that time, I didn’t understand his concern. I thought he was annoying and interfering with my freedom. Like many young boys, I dreamed of leaving my small hometown of Sungai Lembing and heading to the city to explore the bigger world.
During my childhood, I also followed him to my grandfather’s rubber plantation. I helped with small tasks like collecting latex and washing tin ore. At that time, these seemed like ordinary moments, but today they are precious childhood memories.
In order to give our family a better life, my father later made a difficult decision. He left our hometown and travelled to Lahad Datu in Sabah to work.
He could only return to the East Coast twice a year. Altogether, our family probably spent only about one month together each year.
I still remember that after finishing high school, I went to Lahad Datu to visit my father. He took me to experience his work and daily life in Sabah, and we had so much fun eating, exploring, and enjoying ourselves. We even stayed one night at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. Those few weeks were unforgettable and have stayed in my heart ever since.
Whenever he came home, he would bring seafood from Sabah—fish, prawns, crabs, and even sea cucumbers. Every month, he faithfully sent money home so that our family could live comfortably.
When I was younger, I sometimes complained. I wondered why he did not bring the whole family to Sabah once his life there became stable. There were also times when I wished he was around to guide me when I had questions in life.
But today, looking back, I understand something important. Perhaps those challenges helped me grow stronger and more independent.
Life rarely gives us everything at the same time. Sometimes, when we gain financial stability, we sacrifice time together.
After finishing secondary school, I continued my studies in Kuantan. To make sure I would not suffer under the hot sun or rain, my father bought a car for me to drive. Later, I was fortunate to enter a public university, and he continued supporting my education until I graduated.
When I started working, he even helped me with the down payment and renovation costs for my house, easing my burden as a young adult starting life.
Looking back today, I feel a deep sense of gratitude—and also some regret.
There were times when I spoke to him impatiently or with a bad temper. Yet he never scolded me or blamed me.
My father not only loves me deeply, but he also cares for my wife and daughter with the same warmth. He trusts my wife and me greatly, and whenever there is an important matter, he values our opinions and seeks our advice before making a decision. That trust is another quiet way he shows his love for our family.
Today, even though I am already a middle-aged man, he still treats me like a child—reminding me to drive carefully, take care of my health, and even asking whether we have enough money.
That is a father’s love.
Quiet. Simple. But incredibly powerful.
If I could say something to him today, it would be this:
“Dad, I’m sorry for the times I didn’t understand you. Thank you for everything you have done for our family. I love you.”
Many people say a mother’s love is the greatest in the world. But as I grow older, I realise something equally important:
A father’s love is never less.
So while our parents are still around, let us cherish them, appreciate them, and spend time with them.
Because one day, we may realise that the person who worried about us the most… was the one we understood the least.
A father may not always say “I love you,” but he spends his entire life proving it.
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Paul Woon SF (wsfpaul@yahoo.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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