Aug
10
The guy of my life
Family | 5:40 pm
I remembered that when I was little, daddy always come home, wearing dirty overalls, stained with oil and paint. I never really knew what daddy works as, not until when I got older. He was part of the team who laid the bricks when the old National Library was built; just an ordinary odd job labourer.
Years later, daddy went over to help his elder brother with his hawker stall. And since then, daddy had been working in the food industry with his brothers. And when his elder brother retired, he worked for his younger brother. Nah, he’s never the owner of the stalls, just an assistant. And I know daddy preferred it that way.
There’s just something about me and daddy. We don’t mind giving more even though we might be taken advantage of. We get contented really easily.
Daddy had been working for my uncle for many years. In fact, when he was working at the construction site many years ago, he was working for his cousin. His life mainly revolves around his siblings and relatives. Daddy doesn’t have many friends I guess, that’s one of our common traits too.
As much as I love warm weathers, I doubt that daddy would love them since working at the stall is much like being in an oven, with the poor ventilation. But, I hardly hear any complains from him. Sometimes, it really hurts to see the heat rashes he had on him. Not forgetting, being scald by the hot, splattering oil.
It must be really hard on him all these years, I thought. It must be.
Daddy rarely gets to take a rest. In fact, it was only during the recent years that he got to take a day off once every fortnight. And even when he was given that day off, daddy still goes down to clean up the stall. He’s always the first the open the stall, leaving home at 6 in the morning and only returning home around 3 in the afternoon.
But all these would come to an end later this month. Daddy would be out of job soon. The stall that my uncle owns would be taken by some other vendors due to the increase of rental from the present $7000 per month to $12000 per month. It’s pretty obvious that my uncle had to choose not to cling on to the stall.
Daddy’s not sure if uncle would open up a new stall in the estate near our place. Daddy’s intending to get back to what he did in his earlier years. Yes, back to the construction site. It really breaks my heart upon hearing that. He’s already close to 60.
Daddy ended up having to comfort and reassure me that things might not be that bad working at the construction site, since it is much windy. I doubt so, since he would be directly under the scorching sun.
I’m sure daddy’s not feeling really great these days. The sudden lost and emptiness in him. Times like these, I wish I’m financially independent.
Daddy, I just want you to be happy.
7 Responses to “The guy of my life”
You making me miss my dad, even though I see him everyday.
You have a nice blog skin.
Reply: Daddy’s the greatest. :)
August 10, 2007 | 6:31 pm
At 60, I would not recommend him to do hard labour work in the construction line. There is not much of easy stuff in the construction industry. He has been working in the food hawking business for so long, he should find some work in the same area. Please ask if his neighbouring stalls would want to hire him instead. I believe that people around his current stall would know his working style. He is a hard working man who wants to provide for his family, from what I read. You want your father to be on solid grounds, right? His heart is for his family.
Life may be hard, but he is fortunate to have you. Study hard and make him proud.
Reply: Know what? I want him to work neither at the construction site, nor the hawker place. I think he deserves a rest badly. After all, he will be turning 60 in less than 2 years time. Sadly, his daughter is unable to support him financially. But I know, he would rather work than to be at home, facing the four walls. Thanks for the comforting words though. I’ll continue to talk to my dad. :)
August 10, 2007 | 9:15 pm
awww…. it hurts to hear that. I’m in similar situation, my father is 65 and still works in renovation. His back and legs are like aching everyday. I dunno what I can do…
for now, maybe the best we can do is to be good students and filial children.
Reply: I guess so. *sigh*
August 11, 2007 | 8:47 am
Hey Lain. I’m sorry to hear that your dad has to leave his current job. Just keep hanging in there and doing your best as your father is doing his. My dad lost his job two years ago and had nothing left after working for the company for over 20 years. The entire department was shut down and only now, he started up his own business in the same theme. Times are tough and making ends meet is a very difficult task but i’m sure he does it because he loves you so much to provide. Don’t feel guilty or sad but think about how his happiness will result in seeing you alright. Take care.
Reply: Thanks so much for the comforting words. I felt much better now. *hugs* :)
August 12, 2007 | 10:00 am
Awwwsss, it must be really tough for your dad right now. But it seems that your dad really loves you. I’m sure that with time, things will get better. =) Take care and remember that daddys are the coolest! : )
Reply: Yays for all daddys. I’m praying that things will get better. Thanks. :)
August 18, 2007 | 2:53 pm
I was really touched by this entry… it reminded me of my ideal dad.. which is totally not like how my disfunctional father is right now. You’re VERY lucky to have a father like yours. :D
BTW~ i know this is way overdue, but i recieved the gift you sent me. The one with the pencil and paper and mono koro bu block calendar. I love them!! Thank you, Hui Mei!! ^_____^
Reply: Yays! Glad that the second gift finally arrived, though it is kind of late. :P
August 19, 2007 | 7:01 pm
Oh my, I feel for you. It must be hard on you ! No wonder you’re using your own hard earned money on your school fees. I’m hoping for the best for you love ! May nothing happen to your dad because you need him more than anything else in this world. & this entry shows me that parents would do anything for their children. Glad you’re able to understand your father’s difficulty.
Our fathers the best :D
Reply: *nods* :)
August 10, 2007 | 6:02 pm