My father, Baba, who is now passed away for 15 years, is the golden rod by which I measure the greatness of a man, and the example by which I have chosen my husband and the legacy I pass on to my children.
I carry much of my father within me. It is a treasure that lasts, that transcends me and pushes me to live life by using the gifts he gave me during his time on this earth.
Baba was born in hard times but he was not hardened by the times. He rose to the occasion when faced with challenges, and the mark of his resilience after a hard days work was his ever present smile when he walked through the front door. He was a gentleman. He was always ready to lend a hand to those in need or in trouble without any expectation of something in return. It mattered not whether the person was a child, young, adult or old. All were equal in his kindness. He would say “kindness is the best investment that earns unlimited dividends in life.” He greeted each day with gratitude and never once complained about mishaps, misfortunes or life’s “imperfections.”
Baba believed in the rewards of an education, and every morning while he shaved, if I complained about having to wake up to go to school, he would sing out loud a song in Armenian about the joy of gaining knowledge. He believed in keeping an open mind and said “life is a school for perpetual learning.”
Baba was a thoughtful man of faith. His optimism was witness to his deep knowing of an omnipotent existence. I recall on occasion when he would recite a short prayer before he tucked me and my brother in for the night. To this day I repeat the prayer to my grandchildren. He led me to see the world through his eyes and created in my mind a world of possibilities where magic, mystery, the sacred, all meet in the presence of godliness. I have the privilege of Baba’s optimism woven into my being.
While father (and mother) have long left this world, they are still by my side with the gifts they gave me as inheritance. Today and everyday, I celebrate Baba by using the gifts he gave me in my life journey, and by sharing snippets of him (and my mother) in stories about my beautiful life.
To all fathers whether they left us a long time ago or are still by our side, Happy Father’s Day.
thisihumblyspeak 
What a heartwarming and beautiful homage to your father Silva dear.
Happy Father’s Day!
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Near or far, fathers are missed. Happy Father’s Day to you and yours too dear Colette.
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Dear Silva, you carry your Fathers treasure inside out. God’s gives you long healthy and happy life as long as you live, as much as Baba’s past life and forever.
Happy Father’s Day to fathers, fathers to be and father figures. Your fingers, hand, heart ❤️ and brain never stop posting wonderful real life memories/stories, my dear friend / sister.🙏🏻👏🥰🙏🏻
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Thank you Nellie for your kind words. There is so much to share in both our worlds of childhood and adolescence. If we can just pass on the value of those wisdom years onto a few in the next generation, the world would definitely be a better place.
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Beautifully expressed Silva dear !
Indeed RIP Your Baba was my first favorite when I was introduced to the extension family as I met my futur soulmate.
His unique smiley eyes welcomed me first in the family so he did when he came to propose officially to my parents.
Your Baba was special !
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Thank you Sylva. He definitely was a tender family man who loved all like his own. It gives me great fulfillment to know he was loved by all.
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Silva jan, no matter how long it’s been since their passing, they will always live in their children.
You reminded me of my baba – the love for education, the giving, the optimism. You also reminded me of how we all lined up by the door when he came home from work. To all our babas, we loved you then, we still love you through the memories you left us with.
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Yeran, you created a lovely image of how we greeted father or mother coming in through the door. It was something we looked forward to. Cheers to their memories.
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“Every rose has thorns. You must learn how to hold the rose, so you can inhale its sweet scent.” This was a quote from my grandfather (translated from Armenian) that has forever been embedded in my heart. I have never forgotten the sweet memories of my grandfather, playing falling towers while on his shoulders, cracking hard walnut shells together and so much more
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I love memories. They add so much color to the life in one’s years. Keep yours alive sweet Taline.
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