Probably this is the longest spell that I have to live alone without my wife. It’s about a month now since Angeline has been away to attend to Jeremy, my youngest son, who is furthering his studies in Melbourne Polytechnic. This is really good news for Jeremy for having his mum there to see to things till he gets settled in his stay and studies there. We are all glad that he is finally seeing the light at the end of a long tunnel. Praise the Lord for his guiding hand to lead him to a good future like his brother, Hilary.
However, on the lighter side, her addition to the family equation there has become a subtraction for me over here. For this period, I had a chance to experience her duties of attending to the house and caring for my personal and professional needs. I had to make my bed (albeit still clumsily), boil the water, make my own coffee, look after the cleanliness and safety of the house, prepare my own food – these are just some of the chores that I have to do, and slowly getting used to it.
Despite this, it was tough and disorienting for a working professional like me to adjust to doing house chores which I must admit didn’t strike me as difficult and demanding in the past until now that I have to do them! The images of Angeline often run through my mind while I’m doing all these, missing her but most of all, appreciating her for such support, care and love which I took for granted all these time!
My advice to all the men out there who haven’t lifted much of a finger to assist their dear wives to take cognisance of this very important person in your life. My memories also went to my late mum and dad who had to look after 7 children with their bare hands for having a maid was beyond our financial reach. How much they had to do for us has now become more real to me.
So give them the respect, take care of them, appreciate their support, love them dearly and never, never take them for granted. I’m so glad I had this chance to realise what a wonderful person Angeline has been and still is in my life.
