Greatest Dad in the world

Arthur Goonasekera

My Dad, Arthur Goonasekera, was the most gentle, kind, caring and harmless human being in the whole wide world, all of us think. Although he was a Buddhist and my mum a Catholic, he never objected to the five of us being baptized. He used to take us to Church and was adamant that we go on time.

As children we used to consider ourselves lucky that we could celebrate the festivities of both religions. Dad, the sole breadwinner in our family, educated us girls at St. Bridget's Convent and our little brother at St. Joseph's College. He bought a piano and sent my eldest sister and myself for music lessons, for which I thank him profusely as I am a music teacher today because of him.

He fed, clothed, educated us, took us on holidays and did so much more. Well done Dad, you did a great job. Mum was very lucky as he treated her like a queen. She never had to go marketing and she always had domestic help. We were all anxiously awaiting his 90th birthday in January 2008, but God had other plans for Dad.

Thanks a million, Dad, for being the world's best father. Although your demise has created a big void in our lives, you left us with beautiful memories that we will cherish right through our lives until we meet on that beautiful shore.

By Srima Soyza