With Father's Day around the corner, I've been thinking a lot about my dad and the profound impact he's had on my life. When my parents split, I was in grade school. It was my dad, who raised me and my siblings (I have two older sisters and a younger brother) through the formative and sometimes challenging teenage years. Now that I have a teenager myself, I am in awe of how calm and patient he was with all of us, while still managing his career and running a household as a single parent.
Growing up, my dad placed a huge emphasis on the importance of education. It makes sense if you look at his life journey from a well-to-do family in Egypt to starting fresh in Canada. He was an astrophysicist, so he knew firsthand how knowledge could open doors. His mantra was simple yet powerful: no matter what life throws at you, education is your ticket to success. It was a lesson that stuck with me, shaping my own educational pursuits and career aspirations.
But beyond his academic achievements, what I really admired about my dad was his approach to life. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained calm and composed, approaching each day with a thoughtful perspective and a sense of humour.
He showed us that true happiness comes from appreciating the simple things in life—a delicious home-cooked meal, an afternoon spent with friends, or savouring a piece of exquisite French cheese (my father's culinary tastes were legendary!). His outlook taught me that it's not about what you have, but who you are and the connections you make along the way.
As a parent now myself, I can only hope to emulate the values and virtues that defined my dad's life. His humour, kindness, and the value he placed on knowledge continue to inspire me every day. So here's to celebrating fathers everywhere, especially those like my dad, who led with love, wisdom, and kindness. Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!