fig. 1 Xiao Jo and her dad

Some might quip, ‘Everyday is father’s day’ and we couldn’t’ agree more. However, if we could set out a day in a year to celebrate the unsung heroes, the sole breadwinners, the authority figure, and many more, then 20th June is no better time. This campaign helped us to understand the importance of fatherhood and how they play a pivotal role in our lives.

We often believe that the person we become today depends on how our parents or fathers nurture us growing up. We’re forged by bits of advice and routinely good habits. These lessons can come in a form of humility, discipline or the value of money.

Some of us take the entire time during our prepubescent years to fully realize these lessons while some of us are still coming to terms with them. However, there is no blueprint of when and what we’re supposed to learn from our fathers. We call our friends and family to share a memory or qualities about their father that in some way has rubbed off on the person they have become today. These are their stories and why father’s day should be celebrated with much joy every year.

fig. 2 Sarah’s throwback photo with her dad

fig. 3 Daddy & Me Collection

The stories we received this year tapped on many themes and one that touched us is how your dad is also your biggest fan and supporter. Like Xiao Jo, She recalls her experience in university and how her father was there through every step of the journey. From preparing supper to being there for her as a listening ear, though these things may not seem like much, her story proves that it reassured her that her dad would always be there no matter what.

In the same vein, Sarah shared with us how her father never stopped believing in each of his children. Whenever she’s having a tough time, her dad will utter, ‘Nak (malay for child), you know there is not one hurdle so hard at first that we couldn’t work through it’. Teamwork is key and we learnt it first from our fathers.

fig. 4 Daddy & Me Collection

It’s in the little things

This father’s day contest is really about sharing memories with our fathers that meant the world to us. This campaign gives anyone the chance to tell how thankful they are of their fathers. Diyanah celebrates her father as a pillar of strength growing up. She describes her father as a dedicated man and tells us that his sacrifices come from everyday things. From fetching and sending her to tuition classes despite how busy he was, to taking off the bones from the fish during dinner. She thanked her dad for never giving up on her. Since she’s getting married soon, she emphasized that every nice gesture from her father makes him her hero.

fig. 5 Diyanah’s throwback photo with her dad

fig. 6 photo submission by Pac Thor

The Best Life Coach

Through this campaign, we’ve come to realize that there were some life lessons that didn’t necessarily made sense when we were much younger. For instance, dealing with emotions like sensitivity and vulnerability. As a kid, it has been ingrained that ‘big boys’ don’t cry. My dad was quite the opposite. He cries at every beautiful and inspiring moment. He displayed his heart on his sleeves and I’ve learnt to discern his ‘half laughs’ and ‘half cries’ as moments when he’s been touched deeply.

As I start to mature, I started to view sensitivity and vulnerability as signs of strength and being comfortable in your own skin. I learnt how important it is to observe these emotional cues from my dad that helped me become mentally stronger. Dear dad, thank you for consistently displaying the best example on how to deal with emotions and sensitivity. I can’t recall if I ever shared this with you but I’m glad that you get to hear it now.

fig. 7 Hakim and his parents

fig.8 Cynthia’s guardian angle ‘Ama’

Final Words

To conclude, we thank everyone that has participated in this campaign. It just solidifies how much our dads have impacted our lives. Whether if your dad taught you to believe in yourself or giving you the confidence to be whoever or whatever you want, these life lessons are something to keep for life. Something all of us can continue to live by to this day. Thank you to all fathers; if it weren’t for all your sacrifices and wisdom, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

fig. 9 Chelsea Toh’s dad

fig. 10 Glen Chan and his dad