March 6 will always be a painful day for me. It’s the day my father left us, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. It has been seven days since he passed away due to cardiac arrest, and though we are trying our best to move forward, the loss is still fresh, and the grief is overwhelming.
My father was a family man in every sense. No matter how many difficulties he faced in life, he never let us feel them. He carried his burdens silently and always made sure that we had everything we needed. He gave my sister and me the best education and ensured that our home was always filled with love and security. His sacrifices were many, but he never once complained. His priority was always his family.
One of my fondest memories of him is riding in his auto rickshaw. No matter how busy he was, he always found time to take us around. That auto was not just a vehicle for him, it was his pride, his passion, and his way of serving others. He truly loved his job as an auto rickshaw driver, and despite the challenges that came with it, he worked with dedication and honesty.
When I was in college, he used to come to pick me up every evening. He wouldn’t just arrive on time but he would always be there early, waiting for me. It was his way of showing love through actions rather than words. I still remember the comfort of seeing him waiting outside, knowing that no matter how hard my day had been, he was always there for me.
Every evening after dinner, he would prepare fresh fruit juice for us. Watermelon, muskmelon, mosambi—he always made sure we had something refreshing and healthy. It was a small but special routine, something he did out of love and care. Even when he was tired, he never skipped it. I can still picture him in the kitchen, carefully cutting the fruits and blending them, making sure everyone had a glass before he sat down to rest.
He loved his grandchildren (my nieces). They brought him so much joy, and he always wanted to spend time with them. He had planned to take them to school and pick them up every day. Just three days before he left us, he bought a brand-new auto rickshaw, looking forward to fulfilling that plan. He was excited about the new vehicle, and the thought of driving his grandchildren to school made him even happier.
The day before he passed away, he took his auto to our parish, God the Holy Spirit Church in Bajal, where Rev. Fr. Andrew Dsouza blessed it. He also spoke to me that day, unaware that it would be our last conversation.
When I received the news of his passing, I was in shock and disbelief. It felt unreal, as if time had suddenly stopped. Even now, I sometimes find myself expecting to hear his voice or see him coming home after a long day of work.
There is a lot to say about him, but no words will ever be enough to truly capture who he was and what he meant to us. His love, his sacrifices, and his presence in our lives were immeasurable. He was our strength, our guide, and our greatest blessing.
Dad, you faced so many struggles, yet you never let us feel them. You gave us everything, asked for nothing, and loved us unconditionally. You taught us the value of hard work, sacrifice, and family. You may not be with us physically, but your love, lessons, and memories will always be a part of us.
We miss you every single day.
A Heartfelt Thanks
In this difficult time, we have been surrounded by love and support, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by us.
🙏 Thank you to my father-in-law for being there for us in every possible way throughout the funeral and even now.
🙏 Thank you to our neighbors for rushing my dad to the hospital when he fell ill in the early morning.
🙏 Thank you to my cousins and all our relatives for their support, help and for staying overnight with my family.
🙏 Thank you to Rev. Fr. Andrew Dsouza and Rev. Fr. Melwin Pinto for their prayers and for the funeral mass.
🙏 Thank you to Mrs.Janet Dsouza for the heartfelt tribute.
🙏 Thank you to Mr.William Dsouza, Proprietor of Globe Travels, for his support.
🙏 Thank you to Saloni Arrangers for providing free chairs for people to sit.
🙏 Thank you to Lucas Arrangers for all their funeral arrangements.
🙏 Thank you to all the people who visited our home and attended the funeral mass.
Your kindness and support mean the world to us. We will always be grateful.
Rest in peace, Dada.