Rare, Unique! A few thoughts about my father Ranjith Wijesinghe, on Father’s Day 2016

This is not an article on famous failures, but about a person who has led me to victory and success who is an ‘unknown success’. His capabilities go beyond the norms. He was one character that was hard to define. But to me, he is a role model. Having had the privilege of being born to parents with strong beliefs and versatile backgrounds, I had the honour of having a father who was a multi talented individual.  
When I was two years old, an age where I could barely understand what life was, he made me realize that life was about showing love to one another and caring for each other. His ways were hard to define. When I was two, he was a giant hero to me, both literally and metaphorically. As I grew up, I understood one thing; that is, I was his life. Never do I remember a day I travelled on my own to any place on earth. Some might wonder how I lived my life so attached. But I had all the independence and love in the world so travelling with my father around was more than happiness to me. You might be surprised! But I, as a child, a teen and a grown up, never stayed in a hospital. Surprised? Yes, it’s true. With the support of my mother, my father always took care of me in a way that I cannot express right here. You cannot use the fact that since I was the only child in the family I had greater attention. It was just the best form of parenting. There were times when my mother didn’t understand exactly how I felt and what I mentioned. But my father, always understood everything I said and even read between the lines.  
Having sent me in for the best, the best education, the best of everything my father made me realize that life was one beautiful place and we need to treasure it. He always showed me how to use things sparingly, to share and to give. I do not remember the number of alms givings we’ve done. But certainly remember the blessings we’ve gained out of him. A man of principles, I always wonder how I could stand up to my own principles using the teachings of my father.  

"It was not because I surpassed the rest and got on to the top, but because only he knew how much they had really worked towards making me who I am today"

In all milestones, it has always been my father who stood by me during success and failure. I remember, every single time I became the batch topper in my university examinations, my father was the happiest together with my mother. It was not because I surpassed the rest and got on to the top, but because only he knew how much they had really worked towards making me who I am today.  
I have seen him work tirelessly day-in-day-out just to make me lead the best life ever. He had even given me the comfort of living my life the way I feel is best, guiding me through all times. His hidden talents of creating designer houses are truly remarkable. The houses he had built are not just made with bricks and stones, but there was love, care and warmth in every inch. That was what made his houses special. He was unknown for his talents. But certainly he was a successful achiever who had built over 50 houses over the past two decades. Even to date, the houses he designed and created are blessed with happiness and wonder. We speak of famed builders’ designs, famous architects’ houses, but just a word on my father’s houses built and designed by him should be mentioned here. The secret to his success was truly because he used all his skills to make the best of it.  
 You might wonder while reading this why I am adoring my father so much. He deserves every bit of it. He had raised me like a princess, and when I was a kid, I watched fairly tales  and thought it was me who was the princess.   
As kids we all have cravings for toys. I too had some very interesting but expensive ones. Once I wanted to have a doll house. And guess what! I had it. I was just 10 years old when I got this. This is not what I wanted to mention. I remember the day I dissembled it because it was occupying a lot of space on my work desk. Vases, story books, pencil cases and pencil holders were now my priority. My father saw me removing piece by piece and I yet remember he had a look which showed ‘My girl is not small any more, she is grown up’. This feeling I realized only on my wedding day. Working endlessly to make my big day extra special, he gave me the finest things in life. And the final moment when I had to move out with my life partner he yet stood strong. It was me who wept. I then realized that my father had the same feeling when I dissembled the doll house knowing that I have grown up.  
I have been guided by an inspirational individual who was not recognized by anyone. The only person who could express views about my dad is me.   
This is for all the sons and daughters out there. All of you are blessed to have a father in your life. You have been fortunate enough to be guided and brought up by angels in heaven, your fathers who have been guiding stars. Have some time for yourself and see if you have really made your father’s duties recognized? Have you ever told anyone that your father has let you have the best of everything? It might be too late sometimes when you really have to talk about them. Stop complaining about them. You will feel guilty the day you find out what a lot your father has done for you.  
Make sure you speak about your father at least once a day, because they had spent their entire lives to make you who you are today.   
Happy Father’s day to my father and all the other dads in the entire universe. And through this article, all of you have been recognized for all the hard work you have done and the world salutes you unsparingly.  

Thilinika Wijesinghe