Just do it

While I was out running in KL yesterday, a mini-drama was unfolding back home. YK was running a high fever. Because he’s allergic to some drugs, mum was hesitant about giving him any medication. Poor YK slumbered the day away. When I got home in the evening, his fever was at an all-time high. I rushed him to the clinic and the doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics for his upper chest infection.

Being the drama-king that he is, he said “I can’t believe you were overseas doing some silly run while I was dying in my room!”

It doesn’t help that the kids always choose the worst time to fall sick. I often receive phone calls from mum telling me the kids or pets have fallen ill. Of course there isn’t much I can do when I am halfway across the world except ensure they’re sent for treatment.

It’s tough but being a working mother who travels several times a year, I have learned to cope. When they were younger, I devoted all my time to them but as they become more independent, I found more time for myself. I think finding the right balance (without neglecting them in any way) is really important for my own well-being. I see it as a natural process of loosening the apron string, afterall the kids are going to leave the nest one day. Meanwhile, I’m sure they’d rather hang around with a happy and supportive mum.

I have wondered aloud if there’s a best time for me to go on a journey or do something for myself… and my best friend always tells me, "There’s never a best time, just do it." She’s right. Life will still go on.

Besides, I know she’ll always be there for me.