The great Father’s day

             On Sunday, 21 June 2009, the Father’s day was  celebrated in a novel way in my church, in Chennai, India. Towards the end  of worship, the  pastor said, “Today is father’s day…” He paused and cast a good look over the  congregation.  I am sure he would have sighted quite a number of surprised faces silently asking, “Is it?”  To let you into a secret I read it in the morning papers and that’s how I came to know that the day was Father’s day.  Nevertheless, all men folk stood up barring the young men.   

           We smiled at each other from the pews.  Then a few ladies walked in with trays that contained  some paper bills.  Each one got one, which carried a Christian message of how to be a good father etc etc.  

             The church service over, we had  a cup of coffee, greeted each other like on any Sunday, exchanged pleasantries and dispersed.

             Later in the evening I happened to contact an old friend of mine.  “Jack, did all your children wish you a ‘happy father’s day’?” I asked of him. All his children were married and living happily, two  in own city and two outstation.

            “Well……” he drawled. “What’s the problem Jack?”

            “Well, to tell you frankly Jay, I found myself reminding all the four of them.”

             Interrupting him I asked, “Do you have 4 sons? FOUR ?  I thought you have only three.”

             “No, FOUR,”  he confirmed.   “Now about the greeting thing  on Father’s day….”

             “Yes,yes, go on, I am listening….” I told  him on the phone.               

             “The eldest interjected, ‘Is it dad?  Are you  sure?’ ”  “Of course, dear son.”  

             “So what do I do?” he asked me. What could I say?.  “Have a nice day, I said and switched off my voice.”

              The second son knitted his brows and remarked, “All right,  So what?” Immediately I withdrew myself from the hot  line.

              The third son was somewhat kind.  “Oh ,happy birthday, Dad .”  ”Not happy birthday, dear boy.  It’s Father’s day.  Say ‘happy Father’s day; dad’, “ I prompted him. And he did wish me correctly  thereafter coupled with an apology..

              “What about the fourth?” I wanted to know.

              “Oh how nice, Dad, the fourth mumbled. But the day is gone.  Can’t wish you at 9 p.m.  Do remind me well before  time next year, OK? “.