To my grandfather: You chose to leave all of thirteen siblings and your parents behind with my grandmother to build a better life in Canada. You worked countless hours to provide for your children and evaded stereotypes surrounding Pakistani fathers; you also provided for them emotionally. You were incredibly fearless; I cannot imagine the courage it took to leave everything behind and go to a new country with your children and wife where you were not sure how you would be greeted, but having enough faith in this nation to take care of you all, Other examples of your fearlessness include when saved my father’s life once while he was drowning. Your empathy and decency extended beyond your family; I remember hearing about how when you and my grandma were a newly married couple and you heard about a woman being abused, it angered you so much you beat up the abuser and they had to pull you away. In a world where most people choose to be bystanders, you chose to act. You will forever remain a role model to me because of your exemplary character.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UWindsor chapter.