I will always remember this photo, not for the smiles on everyone’s faces but for the sequence of events that happened after this photo was taken. You see, we were at Sentosa for its Mega Fun Fest at the start of the March School Holidays when Ash suddenly developed a fever immediately after this photo was snapped. It turned out that he had cellulitis and an early stage of sepsis which could have been potentially life-threatening. Hospitalisation soon followed and he was put on anti-biotics drips. Thankfully, he got better and was discharged after 2.5 days.
And this is what Parenting is all about, no? It comes with all the highs and lows, much like a roller-coaster ride. But that has not stopped me from wanting to be a Dad to my 3 monkies. Not a Father, because anyone can be a father. But being a Dad? One can only truly become a dad with years and years of hard work, commitment, sacrifice, love and action.
Being a dad means being in a relationship that spans time. Being a dad is a position of responsibility, one who is the role model and contributes to the life, growth and feelings of his child. Being a dad means being there for them, in good and bad times, physically and spiritually and even beyond in memories. Being a Dad means having to willingly change clothes for Barbie, serve tea to Hello Kitty, Dora and my daughter.
Being a Dad is hard work, but it is rewarding work.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there! Enjoy your special day!
