My 2013

Celest's injury last year forced me to do a lot of the kid’s duties like sending them to school, picking them up, having meals with them, swimming lessons, birthday parties and so on. Those thoughts ran through my mind initially at the start of the year and I was worried I would not be able to say conscious long enough to do all that. And we do not have help.

But I dove in head-first and did what I could. I squeezed in conference calls, emails, Powerpoints and all. It’s a good thing I have an understanding boss who let me work at odd hours and occasionally encouraged me to sleep.

As the year went on, I realized it wasn’t so bad. Being a dad comes with responsibilities and I was basically playing my role and doing what I was supposed to do. Being there for them. Showing up when needed and being the shoulder they could sit on (actually that only applied to Amber). I made their breakfasts too, coming up with all kinds of yucky combinations which they had to eat.

Even though Celest has recovered, I still try to be a big part of the daily lives. I continue to make the morning deliveries, have lunch with them when I’m working from home and take them cycling/running/swimming/playing football if the time allows. I’ve come to appreciate that fatherhood is not about just paying the bills and signing the forms, but is more about being physically there, holding their hands, a kiss on their cheeks/foreheads. I like making memories for them to save in their reminiscence-banks for them to recall with fondness when they are all grown up.

2013 was a good bonding year for me and the kids. It was also a good bonding year for Celest’s bones and I’m happy she is walking normally again. FYI, the metal plates should be coming out in June.

A big thanks to also to my Dad and Mum who also helped out tremendously during the year with picking up the kids whenever their schedule allowed. Also, my Sister-in-Law helped us to cook - because the kids didn't want to eat pancakes for dinner. Thanks Bihye for helping us get through those tough few months.