National Day is I-Love-My-Daddy Day

Photo taken from infofoto.org.bn, this year's National Day celebration

I love Dad. Although he is meticulous and strict, he loves all his children (all nine) the same and has no favourites. Well, I'd like to believe he loves me the most.

He's a true patriot and has been involved with National Day Celebrations since the day I laid eyes on handbags. Trust me, that's long enough. From what I've seen, he has been under the blazing sun (too many times), having deficient sleep and getting shoved around by the superiors (for too long). Eventhough being in the Ministy of Culture, Youth & Sports, it is his job, but I didn't see why he had to overwork himself. Knowing dad has health issues, I once asked him why he forced it.

He answered like a man, or may I rephrase, he answered like a Dad.

He mentioned he loved his country. He valued what the government has provided him and the family. He remembered how his forefathers "fought" for Brunei's rights, else we wouldn't be standing where we are right now. He recalled during his younger years how he had to wake up very early in the mornings to fetch pails of water for his mother, then helped bath his younger siblings, walked miles with his father to the riverbank, and his father would row the children to the otherside for school.

He went on saying how modern Brunei is now and life is easy. You can wake up and just turn on the showers. Water is relatively cheap too! Education is still free to those who choose government schools. Fuel for cars doesn't cost a bomb either. All because our country is vastly developing.

He asked back, why shouldn't we celebrate? The man loved his work and took pleasure in contributing for the National Day celebrations. Who am I to judge him.

I have to agree the younger community do lack sense of appreciation. However, we all need a wise man to open our eyes sometimes, in my case, my father.

He did one smart move last year, he called me up to partake in the celebration - to represent the ICT industry of Brunei Darussalam as an oath reader! I said yes and there I was march-passing with my dad, smile on my face and (holding back) tears of joy. I could've sworn I saw daddy smiling back with pride written all over his face.

Oath-reading with him, in an instant, I saw all his hard work. Managing the practices, making sure all logistics done, taking care of everyone's well-being, keeping almost everyone satisfied and yes, well-fed.

Yes dad I finally see. So here's to you - Happy National Day! Merdeka! And I say to everyone love your daddies.

Loookkk there I was! Standing tall like a true patriot.
Photo taken last year during the 22nd National Day celebration.

Next post: Going through Dad's collections, Bouncing Babies & Blogging Nation.