My daughter, my friend

My tree house

Every evening I will be compelled to hear loads of protests and tantrums from Tanisha, my daughter.  She thinks she is always right and anything that happens at school or at home during that day is her friends, teachers’ or mother’s fault and they are to be blamed.

As a new age father, I tend to ignore most of these issues, which must be the reason why I am more than a father to my 8 years old. Whereas, my wife assumes that I am too lenient and spoiling her because unlike her I am incapable of raising a voice or caning our little brat.

Pretty recently, Tanisha and I managed to build a tree house, which took almost three days to complete. Both of us worked really hard and dirtied our hands, clothes and few proud scratches which we were happy to display as a trophy. However, this did not go well with her mother and adding to this, our neighbor whispers conveyed distaste in our special assignment.

The Icing on the cake, however, was when Tanisha’s curious friends joined in our mission; now they too enjoy their holidays on tree tops makeshift house. This incident has taken me back to my childhood where I used to spend most my time playing in the woods. It is like I am living my childhood all over again with my daughter, I am thankful for this precious gift, my daughter, my love, Tanisha.

Last month, when my wife had been in a weeklong rejuvenation therapy, it was our time to own the entire house! Both of us had a wonderful time, we partied, went all over the town, ate everything restricted by her mother, made our house a mess, watched TV endlessly. Surprisingly, not a single moment she complained, but rather assisted me in our regular chores.

Astonishing, when I decided to take her to my office, she was so excited that she agreed to prepare a sandwich for the breakfast to help me get ready. Although bread-spread was spread all over her apron, tomato and cucumber slices were cut in all possible shapes, and mayonnaise sauce covered her both hands, yet it was the most delicious breakfast I had in ages.

Tanisha is my daughter, friend, mother, and a companion who takes pleasure in sleeping with me; when she wakes up, she still expects me to carry her from the bed and right from brushing her teeth to washing her bum, I am her most preferred caretaker. Needless to say, I cherish doing all these chores as a father and I see it as a divine privilege.

Till this date, I have witnessed most of her milestones and have seen her grow from tiny tot to the toddler. I have ignored overseas assignments to be around with the family. I take pride in dropping her to school each day and right from her kindergarten, I have not missed an opportunity to go with her to the school. I am happy I have two girls who love and care me at home, obviously, Tanisha stands first!

© Haris AW