Happy 72nd Birthday Pak!!

Happy 72nd birthday!! Many happy returns to a man who is not only a wonderful dad to Am and I but who has also assumed fatherhood for the sake of my aunts and uncles since the departure of our beloved grandfather.

As Pak Ajie would often quip, consistent doses of his gases has severely affected Am, Ajie and my chances of becoming lawyers or doctors but nevertheless, we won't be where we are today without his love and guidance. And that certainly supersedes and neutralizes the effects of the many, many doses of harzadous gases...Thankfully, the third generation has been spared and in Wani (Insha Allah) we see the first doctor in the family, alongside many others who, with your help, are successful in their chosen careers.

No words can fully appreciate everything that you have done for us and perhaps the lyrics to Kenny Rogers "Through The Years" will help us wish you a very, very happy birthday and May Allah grant you the best that the rest of your life has to offer.

I can't remember when you weren't there
When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the year, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad Ive stayed, right here with you
Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted whom, I listened to before
I swear you've taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad
I knew how much we had, I've always been so glad
To be with you ... through the years
It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong
Together we were strong, I know that I belonged
Right here with you ... through the years
I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out
I've learned what loves about, by loving you
Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down
Youve turned my life around, the sweetest days Ive found
Ive found with you ... through the years
Its better everyday, youve kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, Ill stay with you
Through the years!