I am pretty sure this happens to all the fathers out there when they are saying goodbyes to their loved ones, especially their children. Seriously it is very difficult to say NO to the big boss at home. Image source: Pexel / Mikhail Nilov
The Night Before Departure
It’s the night before departure, and as I pack my bags for yet another overseas assignment, a bittersweet atmosphere fills the air. While the excitement of new adventures and opportunities awaits, there is a heavy heart in the room. My son, my little bundle of joy, is not happy about my imminent departure. He despises those airport goodbyes and the months we spend apart. Tonight, he musters up the courage to ask me the one thing I dread hearing: “Daddy, please don’t go.”
It’s understandable that my son feels this way. After all, it’s not easy for a child to say goodbye to their parent, even if it’s just for a short while. But this is the reality of my job, and I must find a way to ease his worries and reassure him that everything will be okay.
A Heartfelt Conversation
Sitting down with my son, I explain the reasons behind my overseas assignments. I tell him about the incredible opportunities they bring, the chance to learn about different cultures, and the importance of my work in making a difference in the world. I emphasize that while I may physically be far away, my love for him remains constant and unwavering.
As we talk, I notice a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. He begins to see that my absence is not a reflection of my love for him, but rather a necessary sacrifice for the greater good. We discuss the importance of pursuing dreams, even if they require temporary separation from loved ones. I assure him that I will always be there for him, no matter the distance.
A Promise of Connection
To alleviate his fears of being disconnected, I made a promise to my son. I vow to stay connected with him through video calls. We’ll create a special routine where we can share our daily experiences and keep each other updated on our lives. This way, he’ll never feel like I’m truly gone.
I also remind him of the exciting things he can look forward to during my absence. We discussed the possibility of him learning a new skill or exploring new hobbies. I encourage him to embrace the opportunity to grow and discover his own passions while I’m away.
A Dash of Humor
In an attempt to lighten the mood, I inject a bit of humour into the conversation. I tell my son that while I’m away, he can be the “man of the house” and take charge of things. I remind him of the times he’s helped me fix things around the house, and how proud I am of his resourcefulness. I assure him that he’s more than capable of handling any challenges that may come his way.
We laugh and joke, turning a potentially sombre moment into one filled with warmth and love. It’s important to find joy even in difficult situations, and humour can be a powerful tool to do just that.
A Final Embrace
As the night draws to a close, I pull my son into a tight embrace. I whisper in his ear, “I love you, and I’ll always be with you, no matter where I am.”
Leaving for an overseas assignment is never easy, especially when it means saying goodbye to loved ones. But by having open and honest conversations, making promises of connection, injecting humour, and sharing heartfelt moments, we can ease the burden on our little ones’ hearts. And in doing so, we teach them valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams.
damn… the way u described wat he did aledi touched me deeply…
Kavi – ya, being the only kid around, it is going to be tough