As fathers grow older, their love and concern for their children and grandchildren is beyond compare. International Father’s Day which is celebrated recently presented an occasion to thank fathers for their unwavering support and guidance and most importantly, their unconditional love.
84-year-old Francis Remedios is the father of Majorie and Malcolm from Panjim. He started his career as a Portuguese teacher in a school in Canacona and after Liberation, he was appointed in the Telecommunication Department under the Government of India. Majorie describes her father as loving and concerned. “We are a close knit family. He is a very protective when it comes to his children and grandchildren. His day begins with Mass at Don Bosco Shrine with my mother, Martha, a trip to the fish market, reading the newspaper and then a visit to the Municipal Garden in the evening. He pays his bills himself and he is very independent. He even does shopping for me if he finds anything interesting. He also loves cleaning fish and if anything special is cooked, he will pack and keep it ready for the children. Since I live in Assagao and my brother lives in Panjim only, communication is never a problem. We are always in touch with each other and the grandchildren are also very attached to their grandparents. Only when it comes to technology, he requires our help, like net banking or updating documents online etc,” says Majorie, who still adheres to her father’s advice.
Tonca-based 87-year-old Charlie Anthony Monteiro is one of the first to hit the ballroom dance floor with his wife, Tabita and he is a huge inspiration to both his daughter, Vinita and Valerie. After working in Bombay and later shifting to Goa, Charlie retired as a manager at a conveyor belt production unit in Sancoale. He is a hands-on person and loves dabbling with creating wonders out of waste. A gifted musician, he didn’t stop at just playing the guitar, flute and harmonica but built an apparatus to play the guitar and harmonica simultaneously. “My earliest memory of my dad transforming an object was when he turned our prams into bicycles. He does everything on his own. He is an active member of the parish council in St Inez Church and also Couples for Christ. He participates in the Mass at the church on Sundays or visit the beach to spend time with his friends, whenever he can. He is a huge inspiration for us,” says Vinita, who works in Panjim.
Father of Fr Savio Abreu and Sholet, Dr P D Xavier is originally from Kerala but moved to Goa in 1964. He completed his high school at Ferguson, Pune and college from Osmania University, Hyderabad and taught for three years in Hyderabad. A great educator, he taught at St Bartholomew High School, Chorao for two years, Don Bosco High School, Panjim for eight years where he taught English, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar for 20 years where he taught history and finally retired as Principal of Fr Agnel College, Pilar after seven years of service. He also completed his PhD in History in 1986. “My father would do all his chores but now he depends on me to pay the bills and to take him and my mother, Aurora, for doctor’s visits. He loves spending time in the garden and doesn’t miss his evening walks. He used to play the violin but now since he is 85 years old, he has slowed down. He used to take English tuitions for the children in the neighbour and he is an expert in grammar. I still look up to him for his views, suggestions and advice. He loves his family including my wife Sonia and daughter Jenny. My mother is his pillar of support,” says Sholet.
A noted footballer in his younger days, Curchorem-based 75-year-old Tito D’Cunha played for many noted clubs including Panvel Sports Club. He kept the flame for football burning even as he was working as a Superintendent of Survey & Land Records in Panjim. He used to travel to work from Curchorem to Panjim and conduct football camps for children either in the morning or evening. Uncle of Indian footballer, Alvito D’Cunha, Tito was playing football till the age of 50. “I think his positive attitude is very infectious. He is constantly on the move, he doesn’t take any stress or tension and that is the reason he is hale and hearty. My mother, Dulcina, is his whole and sole and a great support. After retirement, he is more involved in church activities, a member of the Guardian Angel Sports Club and even a consultant for land survey across Goa. He rides and drives and does all his works on his own. He even does my bank works and LIC premiums. Even at this age, we still depend on him,” says Lorena, Tito’s daughter who works in Panjim.
Lorena adds, “When it comes to his health, he keeps himself fit and doesn’t like visiting the doctor. He won’t even try homemade remedies and stays away from medicines. No matter whether he is sick or healthy, he cannot do without chilled water. I can’t remember a time I saw his drinking room temperature or warm water.”
No matter how old fathers grow, they continue to lead the family in every possible way. They might retire from their jobs but the responsibility of the children and grandchildren will always be on their shoulders. However, it is on the children to see that the father is well taken care of, not just by providing the required health care but a kind helping hand for his needs.
