The Train Ride Home II

Enthralled II

What triggered me that day when taking the train home was a family consisting of two children; a boy and a girl. The boy was about 3 and the girl about 6 or so. The mother was a bubbly and fair lady. Slightly on the larger side but she was a typical homely caretaker. The father seemd to me to be a member of the armed forces. There was something about the sternness of his face and the disciplinarian dictator which showed when he communicated with his spouse and children.

From my observations it was apparent that the father favoured the boy more than the girl. The little rascal was horribly naughty but his running about and mischievious grins made him sparkle like a star. Nevertheless I found the girl to be equally appealing for she had lovely curls although quite messy at that time and such a sweet smile.

But it was not the looks that prompted the father to love the son more. He would play with the boy, pulled him close to his face, cuddle, tickle and hustle him with his huge fist while the girl watched in anxiety. Possibly wondering when would it be her turn? She wanted to get closer to her father. She tried to immitate her younger brother by running around hoping that daddy would pull her close and sit her on his lap.

To her dismay, her efforts were only misunderstood by her father when she was reprimanded and ordered to sit down. She gladly plonked herself next to daddy and mingled with the happy duo as though as she was part of the act. However father became serious and warned her to stop. He said in the meanest tone ever, "Go sit with mother." And he continued playing with his son.

Feeling rejected she went to mummy. At that point I felt so sorry for the poor girl. But then mummy was there to comfort her and hugged her warmly. I could see that the little girl's face lit up immediately.

Sometimes I wonder why do parents discriminate? As humans I understand that we have our favourites. The color, food, car, book, movie, cell phone and clothes that one likes best. But these are inanimate material objects that money can buy. But the most important things are those that money can't buy. Like love, emotions, care, consideration. One's own child, friendship. How can one equate a child, a person to a book?

Maybe the girl did something wrong to annoy her father and thus he was still angry. Perhaps in the Asian society, a daughter is expected to behave with decorum and it is a taboo for a father to get physically near his daughter. The history of their relationship I have no knowledge. In other words I shouldn't judge because I am only imposing my values on them because I never had that much of physically restrictions when it comes to my dad.

I am not saying that I am always fair to everyone. I too have persons whom I like but not prefer. There is no comparisons between one person over another because they are two different individuals with two contrasting personalities. I like A not because A is better than B or C or D. I like A because I do.

But then it is always difficult to apply philosophy to life. It's all nice and sunny on papers. When the situation arises we act brashly and out of sync.

So it is important to reflect, implement and execute. Not just talk.

Ciao!