Dads for Life

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" - Lydia M. Child

An interesting conversation over dinner triggered this post. It is not about "It is cool to have kids"... although I know that was not the true intention of the comment.

Parenting is a lifetime commitment and Obama said it best when he says it takes courage to be a dedicated parent. To become a father is not difficult, but to be a father is coz it doesn't matter who he was; it matters who the child remember he was...

This heartwarming video is a tribute to the fathers and 'future' fathers out there, enjoy :)

GrandPa

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years. Because I've loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die."

When aunt Sophie told me that Grandpa has frank diabetes, I was surprised especially since my maternal family does not have a genetic history of diabetes. Aunt Sophie explained that it was due to his lymphoma going through a relapse and that sometimes diabetes is an outcome or a sign of the impending pancreatic cancer. My heart just sank.

When I was staying with Grams a few years back, we fought the lymphoma and grandpa was in remission then. And to hear the bad news now... it seems unfathomed! Mum told me that we cannot fight fate... but that does not mean that we give up fighting. I pray that grandpa will continue to do his glucose check and take his regular dose of medicine. Aunt Sophie's words kept ringing in my head "he's a walking time bomb due to his heart condition, diabetes, lymphoma".

No one could truly empathise with what grandpa is going through. Being the quiet old man who would rather fight his battles in silence than complain and cause anxiety among his wife and kids, I truly understand why he is the way he is. He said before "I'm ready to die"... and his time will come... I wish that the immediate and extended family are willing to let him go when his time comes. Regardless, we love you, grams *hugs*

P/S: Please pray for the wellbeing of this man whom we love dearly.

San Jose

I was supposed to be at San Jose last week but due to certain circumstances, I could not be there. Nonetheless, I'm glad to be able to at least read what a good pal has taken away from the sessions there [thanks Maish for sharing] :)

Idul Adha

"It is He Who hath made you the inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: For thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving Most Merciful"

Have you ever, in the midst of a hectic day, pause to wonder, "What exactly is our purpose on this earth?"

As mum and I bid farewell to Aunt Sophie and hubby who are heading to Mecca for the Hajj or Pilgrimage, I'm reminded of the fact that man's role on earth is as a servant and vicegerent of Allah SWT. May I don't lose sight of what is truly important, God willing.

P/S: Mum, I know it has been your desire to visit the Holy land. I pray that Allah SWT will allow me to take you to Mecca in the near future, Insya Allah.

Biker Bliss

The ride from Bugis back home was exhilirating. I did it, Regy so don't doubt my ability alright, ha! Hmm, can't remember when was the last time I rode a bike... must have been ages! You know that feeling of being free, that's how it feels riding a bike, the world is your's alone and just spend sometime for I, Me and Myself and leave the madness behind ;P

Anyway, as promised, I will fully optimise it while Regy is away in San Jose/San Francisco the next 2 weeks, heavenly bliss!

P/S: Dear Regy, read this. Have a safe flight! ;)

Conscious Marriage

I finally finished Dance of Love. Verdict: I agree with the ending in finding your other half who shares your belief or spirituality because it is much easier to raise a family when both parents have similar core values and belief system - "The mind seeks an easy relationship; the heart seeks a spiritual partner. The more a relationship supports each person in awakening to a spiritual aspect, the more expansive, spontaneous, wonderful and passionate it will be."

The next book I'm reading has a similar ring to it "Conscious Marriage: A New Model for Making Marriage Work". Stay tuned.

P/S #1: I will definitely read Unconventional, recommended by the author himself, J.J [thanks for adding me to your Shelfari contact list and for your word of encouragement!]

P/S #2: Happy birthday to dear Luke :)