Fajah's day!

While I love both of my parents, it's undeniable that my dad and I are cut from the same cloth. Down to mannerisms, the way we think, our habits and the sparse eyebrows (thanks dad... haha).

Growing up in a Chinese family means that overt expressions of love are never really done. We don't hug, we don't say I love you, we don't say I miss you and he was pretty strict growing up. But, there's always deep love and fierce protection of the family and I have always known that and have never questioned it.

I remember from a young age that my dad was always listening. If I said something about craving a certain thing, the next day, it would be waiting for me after school or that's where the family would go for dinner. That applies not only to food (which is obviously very important in the Mak family) but to everything in life. I wouldn't say that my sister and I were spoiled children but our lives were made easy, rich and full and everything we really wanted, we had.

My dad came to Canada at 18 years old to go to University and left his home in Hong Kong and would never return (except to visit). As I get older, it gets more obvious all the sacrifices my dad made in order for his young family to have everything. The man works hard (still working) and makes sure that he gives my sister and I every single opportunity to thrive, to become something and to help shape us into the women we are.

He is eccentric in his way, funny without trying to be, a softie as he ages and so loving even though he might try to play that one off. Every family works hard in their own ways and my experience growing up in an immigrant Asian family as first generation is definitely that my dad (and mom) worked hard so that my sister and I could have an amazing life in Canada. If I grew up back home in Hong Kong, I doubt very much that I would be a yoga teacher or that I would have travelled to so many amazing places in the world and to be able to carve out my own life. 

One of my favourite memories with my dad is during a meteor shower way back when I was in junior high. My sister and I drove out with my dad at the very wee hours of the morning to watch the showers and it was just so amazing. My dad... always wanting us to witness the world! I recalled when I was young that I asked my dad if he could go anywhere in the entire world where that might be... he answered Egypt. It wasn't until a two years ago that my dad and I went to Egypt together. You see, in the years following it became something that just fell down his list of priorities because taking care of his family, making sure we were set for life, helping me buy my first home, moving my sister (twice) to two different sides of Canada and saving for the proverbial rainy day. That was such an incredible experience to see Egypt, but to see it with my dad. :) Memories, I'll cherish forever...

I am honoured, I am blessed and I am grateful.

Dad, you did more than I ever imagined or deserved. Thank you.

And to all the dads and to the badass moms too!! Happy day!