I can count on you

I’ll be away in Shanghai for a meeting next week. Only 3 days (2.5 to be exact) and I’m almost freaking out. Why, it’s in the midst of the kid’s final year exams! I have been brought up to be independent and stretching out my hand for help is not my cup of tea… not until I have exhausted all possibilities. Even in a desperate situation like this, I cannot rely on the kids’ father to send them to school on time. That’s where my best friend comes in. She has offered to drive them to school next Tuesday and Wednesday. I am so filled with gratitude.

Actually, I can’t imagine life without the love and support of my family and friends. During the first year of my divorce, I was suddenly faced with the prospect of spending my first Christmas without the kids. Their father wanted them with him during the festival. Knowing how lonely and miserable I would be, my elder brother invited me to join his family for a short getaway in Malaysia. The gesture made me feel loved and that trip definitely lifted my gloom.

With my niece on that Christmas Day.

When New Year’s Eve came around, it was my best friend who dragged me to join her at the Club for the countdown. Though I was not in the mood for partying, she urged me to join in the revelry. We ended up counting down with a group of retirees (yes, we were at the wrong club but I didn’t care to protest), her effort was definitely appreciated.

For the next few years, the kids and I were always included in her excursions and weekend activities. Oh, those days with them were filled with fun. Her hubby led our 4 boys on hiking trips and showed them the ropes on how to grow up into tough young men. My best friend made sure that I was always happy and never allowed me to wallow in self pity.

We went on a holiday to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah with best friend and her family.

My best friend and I.

Another happy weekend at best friend's house.

Another dear friend I am forever indebted to is Mother Hen. She’s the earth mother who’s always teaching my boys about respect, love and kindness. She organized birthday parties for us, cooking up a storm and plying us with goodies. My boys are filled with nothing but respect for her. Seeing how 'dateless' I was, she and hubby tried to set me up with their visiting friends from overseas. Oh, I love those fun and funny days!

There were afew other people who rallied around us during those days, like the boys’ aunt who always doted on them. We even went on several holidays together. Even now, whenever I need help with the kids, my younger brother and his wife will never hesitate to come forward to offer their assistance.

But the greatest support actually comes from my parents who have quietly put up with us all these years, feeding us and caring for us without asking for anything in return. Like what Mother Hen said, they’re like my lighthouse.

With my mum, my kids, nephew and niece.

Even though I have not thanked them properly all these years, I want them to know that deep down inside, I am forever grateful to everyone.

At least now I can go to Shanghai for my meeting, knowing the boys will be well taken care of.