Those subscribing to the english88_usd mailing list might have once read the following story of mine, but some others might not. Therefore, I guess it will not be a sin for me to share the story with other colleagues as well so that they can grab the moral of the story.
Presenting the story, I do not want my family members to at all times be haunted by our life tragedy (as I may call it) in the past. Rather, I want them to learn from our past experience that, in building an empire, one should not consider a house as a single criteria for their success but also a home, which will color and keep the balance of their life.
To mitigate any adverse psychological impacts on my son, which may arise from the result of publication, I have decided to use a pseudonym, instead of his real name. It is also my intention to write this story in English for the same purpose so that my son will not comprehend the content of the story until he is grown up, understands English and becomes less fragile. Below is the story for you...
Sorry for not staying in touch over the last two weeks, but I just returned from my field break to Yogyakarta yesterday afternoon. I took emergency leave as Henry, my eldest son who is in the 3rd grade of elementary school, suffered from a minor depression.
As you may be aware, I have been working in the Eastern part of Indonesia since years ago, during which I must leave and stay away from my kids and wife. During the first year of assignment, everything was okay as I worked on a 6-week ON and 1-week OFF working roster basis and had a chance to see my family every 6 weeks with air travel fully covered by the Company. Entering the second year, however, I had my working roster switched from 6-week ON and 1-week OFF to 3 month-ON and 2-week OFF. This roster has admittedly caused some hardship, both to me and my family, as it did not allow me to see my family on a frequent basis. Yet, I was left with no option but accept this working condition, considering the fact that it is hard to get a proper job, especially during the global economic crisis like what we are experiencing now.
The hardship became more evident when Henry fell sick. Firstly, he had a high fever, followed by stomach disorder, cough and asthma. My wife took him to a pediatrist for medical treatment. Approximately a week later, following his recovery, all of sudden Henry suffered from such a serious headache that he could hardly bear. The ailing Henry kept on telling his Mom that he missed his Dad much and wanted his beloved father to be around him. Unfortunately, having been assigned to site did not allow me to return home at anytime, whereas my following leave was not due until the upcoming couple of weeks.
As you may be aware, I have been working in the Eastern part of Indonesia since years ago, during which I must leave and stay away from my kids and wife. During the first year of assignment, everything was okay as I worked on a 6-week ON and 1-week OFF working roster basis and had a chance to see my family every 6 weeks with air travel fully covered by the Company. Entering the second year, however, I had my working roster switched from 6-week ON and 1-week OFF to 3 month-ON and 2-week OFF. This roster has admittedly caused some hardship, both to me and my family, as it did not allow me to see my family on a frequent basis. Yet, I was left with no option but accept this working condition, considering the fact that it is hard to get a proper job, especially during the global economic crisis like what we are experiencing now.
The hardship became more evident when Henry fell sick. Firstly, he had a high fever, followed by stomach disorder, cough and asthma. My wife took him to a pediatrist for medical treatment. Approximately a week later, following his recovery, all of sudden Henry suffered from such a serious headache that he could hardly bear. The ailing Henry kept on telling his Mom that he missed his Dad much and wanted his beloved father to be around him. Unfortunately, having been assigned to site did not allow me to return home at anytime, whereas my following leave was not due until the upcoming couple of weeks.
Despite his sickness, I tried to be calm on site and waited for his condition to improve. On the third day, however, his psychological condition had even deteriorated. My son was like an absent-minded child. He often walked around in the dining room without any clear intention and changed his clothes on a number of occasions during the day. His strange behaviour seemed to have been beyond his control. This was probably the hardest part I had ever dealt with as my kid was crying for help but I felt myself like being handcuffed and could not do anything other than pray God. Finally, I decided to take an emergency leave for a couple of days, regardless of whether it was approved or not. Thank God, I was granted two weeks off.
On the way home, the aircraft taking me to Yogyakarta experienced some turbulence, which did trigger my adrenalin. Thank God, it lasted only a few minutes and the pilot could finally take control of and cope with the bad weather. I don't know what would have happened to Henry if something bad had happened to the aircraft I was travelling on.
Reaching home at 9.30 pm, I found Henry falling asleep and my wife keeping vigil beside his bed. I caressed his hair gently to indicate my presence by his side. Beyond my expectation, Henry even wept loudly and I could see tears rolling down on his face. I affectionately put his head on my shoulder and let him cry to express and satisfy his fragile emotion. Just like a film we often watch on TV, Henry then asked me to pinch him on his arm as a proof that he had not been dreaming of seeing his father. I did not think twice to do what he wanted me to do. Nevertheless, it did not automatically hhttp://www.facebook.comeal him. It took him more than a week to get recovered, and more than two months to get back to normal.
Once again, I thank God for being with me on the way home. I believe Henry would not have got recovered if he had not seen me (unless God has determined otherwise). It really is the power of love that heals. Cheers!On the way home, the aircraft taking me to Yogyakarta experienced some turbulence, which did trigger my adrenalin. Thank God, it lasted only a few minutes and the pilot could finally take control of and cope with the bad weather. I don't know what would have happened to Henry if something bad had happened to the aircraft I was travelling on.
Reaching home at 9.30 pm, I found Henry falling asleep and my wife keeping vigil beside his bed. I caressed his hair gently to indicate my presence by his side. Beyond my expectation, Henry even wept loudly and I could see tears rolling down on his face. I affectionately put his head on my shoulder and let him cry to express and satisfy his fragile emotion. Just like a film we often watch on TV, Henry then asked me to pinch him on his arm as a proof that he had not been dreaming of seeing his father. I did not think twice to do what he wanted me to do. Nevertheless, it did not automatically hhttp://www.facebook.comeal him. It took him more than a week to get recovered, and more than two months to get back to normal.
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