My Father, My Hero: A Daughter Reflects On Growing Up With Her Appa And His Life Lessons

A daughter reflects on her father's influence

"As a little child, I used to jump straight into my Appa's arms, no matter how far away he stood from me. I had a simple trust in him. As I grew older, this trust led to falling in line with any decision Appa made for me, without second thoughts. I accepted his choices about school and after-school activities. I took his every suggestion on books, films, music, food, and life.

Growing independence

And then, gradually, he started to do what must be the hardest thing for a parent to do—he stepped away. He moved from standing beside me and prompting me to jump, to standing next to me and teaching me how to jump right. Now, he pushes me to have the strength to do everything myself.

Changing parent-child relationship

As a child, I did not have to face the giants that I face now as a 22-year-old. My Appa is not the kind of hero who fights the giants for me, but the one who teaches me how to fight those giants." - Anukripa Elango, Chennai.

The Little Lessons We Remember Forever

The heroes we grow up with

As children, many of us see our fathers as superheroes. But as we grow older, we begin to see their deeper purpose—teaching us how to face life ourselves.

Many fathers quietly guide, encourage, and help their children develop the confidence to face challenges. Often, these everyday lessons are what children carry with them into adulthood.

Fathers change as we grow

Hero, is there a better word to describe one of the most important people in your life? Well, if you ask us, 'father' says it all. The role of the father has evolved significantly over the years. Once, it primarily meant little more than providing financial support and enforcing morals and principles. Today, it has changed to include confidant and occasional entertainer.

The Italian novelist and philosopher, Umberto Eco, once said,

I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.

A tribute to fathers everywhere

Not every father wears a cape. Many express their love in quieter ways. They encourage, guide, empathize, believe in their children, and are there for them when they need them most.

As children grow older, they often remember the lessons their fathers taught them, the confidence they inspired, and the comfort of knowing someone believed in them.

Perhaps that is what makes fathers heroes in the eyes of their children.  Some heroes stand before us when we are young, and they stand beside us even when we stand on our own.

To fathers everywhere, thank you for the countless little things you do, often unnoticed, but remembered for a lifetime.

Discover a powerful collection of motivational Father's Day quotes to honor the man who inspires you every day.

Last updated on: June, 16, 2026