Friday 24 December 2010

Three reasons to be proud

Whenever there comes a need for me to reflect on my achievements in life thus far, I always fall back on the fact that I have three smart and responsible sons. I may not have hit my ambition of making my first million by forty. I am not yet a big tauke and I still have large credit card debts to settle. But despite all the problems and struggles, I can still look at my three sons and say that I have at least done that part of it right, the raising of them I mean.

My first and second sons did very well in their studies and are now pursuing tertiary education overseas. Both are taking up medicine.

Yesterday, my third and youngest son Imran Azizi showed that he is as clever as his elder brothers by scoring in the PMR exams. My hope is for him to continue to study well and proceed to the highest level. He has indicated that he is not interested in becoming a doctor but that's okay by me. He can be anything he wants to be as long as he puts his skills and knowledge to good use.

When my son was taking the exams a few months ago, I decided to be the one to drive him to school everyday. This was after hearing advice from a close friend who said that being there for my son would be the best support that a father can ever give. By coincidence, two situations abled or perhaps forced me to carry out the task. Firstly, I was without a steady job at the time and secondly, my wife was still recovering from ailment which caused her to be hospitalised the week before. So like it or not, it was something that I had to do... and I wanted to, anyway. So everyday on exam day for almost 2 weeks, I drove my son to school, dropped him off at the gate, got out of the car, say a short silent prayer before hugging him and wishing him luck. He may not have required it but there's nothing to lose and it feels good doing so.

There was even one day where there was another exam paper in the afternoon which meant he couldn't come home for lunch. On that day, my wife and I bought him his favourite nasi ambeng, brought it to school where we had lunch together. I enjoyed doing that and hope I can do it again some time in future. Pretty soon he'll be all grown-up and there's no more child of school-going age left in the house.


I am sort of going through a rough patch on the workfront since a few months ago but the good results from my son yesterday really brightened up my day... so I hope readers can pardon me for this post of self-gratification. I am pretty confident things will become better for us in the coming days. Thanks also to my better half for helping raise three lovely boys. Most of the credit should go to her...

14 comments:

Lili said...

Salam Oldstock,

Ahhh, this is indeed a hallmark moment for me. You know, reading something so heart-warming as this never fails me from reaching out for my kleenex...

Anyway, congratulations once again to Imran, to you and your wife. Just so you know, you're a remarkable father to your sons!

Pat said...

I believe that the true measure of a man's worth is not to be found in money, or the size of his house or car. And you are right, to look to your sons to find this measure. And that they are all three doing well, says so much about you and your wife. I don't think either of you did this alone - it always takes two.

My wish for you in 2011? May only good things find your door.

eddy said...

Bro.

1.Good things come to those who wait.

2.Don't worry, be happy, everything will always be alright at the end.

Kama At-Tarawis said...

you deserve a pat on the back as much as the young man does.. let's just hope your current rough patch will be smoothen soon.. :D

Fadhil said...

Uish! Lili... don't cry la.. part and parcel of life's challenges. Teaches us to count our blessings in times of struggles.

Fadhil said...

Pat, when the chips are down, I just think of my sons and I immediately feel the comfort returning. Tq for your kind wishes.

Fadhil said...

Eddy, yes it will be all right in the end, insyaallah.... but the waiting is the trying part la bro..
Patience is something I am sorely lacking right now, haha...

Fadhil said...

Kak Kama, I'm hopeful to find the smooth patch soon. Tq for your encouragement.

HLiza said...

Sejuknya perut ibu mengandung bila ada moments like this..tahniah buat anak bujang Pak Oldstock..insya- Allah moga jalan2 yg dilaluniya cerah selalu. Sorry to hear about your difficulties..I'm sure there's hikmah for this.

Fadhil said...

Ibu Hliza, yes I guess the mother is proud of the young man more than I am. I'm in the midst of working out of my difficulties at the moment, hopefully something will materialise early next year.

DrSam said...

Salam oldstock. I think we share the same feeling. The best treasure of all is our kids, and it is unspeakable gratification to see all of them succeeded in their life.

Many years to come and I wish you and the whole family wonderful years ahead.

Fadhil said...

Salam Dr Sam,

Yes, I guess nothing is as valuable as seeing our offsprings succeed in their studies.

I wish a wonderful life for you and your family too. Thank you.

zafi said...

I seated the same position as PMR student. It was a stress moment to fulfill my own dream and my parent's dream as well... As a son, I try my very best to ensure that my family always happy on what ever I do or achieve. Your son had played his role! congratulation Oldstock.. best of luck to him... a good start :)

Fadhil said...

Salam Zafi,

Actually most parents do not ask too much of their children... just to do their best in anything that they do.

I hope you achieve your dreams too and make your family proud.