In another blink of an eye, 2019 has passed as we ushered another new year. 2019 is a year of trial and transformation for myself and my family. Days seem like years, yet the year seems like days. Olivia has grown up so much that we are running out of space for her to roam around. Anyway, every year my last post is about thanksgiving, and this year ain't any different. So here goes my end of year recap.
The Lady M I known years ago have grown so much through our journey of marriage and parenthood. I can't imagine days without her. Her sacrificial and unconditional love and care for this family (especially to our dear daughter) is truly admirable. A friend of mine once said, "behind every successful man is not a woman, in front of every successful man is a stronger woman, who holds the fort, to let her man be successful." To my beautiful wife, Lydia, you are truly a supermum and warrior.
Thank God for Olivia.
Our daughter has taught us the meaning of sacrifice. It wasn't easy coping with the steep learning curve of parenthood, but still by the grace of God, we did. At the time of writing, Olivia was just discharged from the hospital after 4 days for bacterial infection, high fever, and seizure. I shared with my father in law that I finally understood sacrifice, because if there's a need for one person to fall sick, I rather be the one. The days at the hospital was one of the most difficult times of our lives, but we made it. To my lovely daughter, Olivia, stay strong, stay healthy, Papa will always walk beside you.
Thank God for true friends and family.
Through hard times like this, it's easy to see who are willing to stand by you. For those who did, in person or in prayers, we sincerely thank God for your care and support. It was physically and mentally draining as we see her high fever recur day after day, and the bacteria level still severely high after days of IV antibiotics. But, having friends by your side make things a little easier, to you guys (you know who you are), thank you. The end of 2019 witnessed the passing of two of our grandparents, it wasn't easy but we are heartened that they are donning new bodies, ones without sickness and tears, in the presence of God.
Thank God for travel opportunities (still).
With all our parenting work and schedule, we managed to squeeze two oversea trips this year. The first was to Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto when Olivia was 6 months, as we really needed a break. Japan was amazing. We used this chance to wean off the nipple too. The second was to Kuching, Sarawak where we had our church's couple camp in August. We figured out that as much as parenting needs work, marriage is the foundation.
Thank God for change.
On August this year, I took a leap of faith and discontinued my research job at NTU to join my family business in beauty and finance. From neuroscience to full-on business, from data to doing presentations to big shots, the switch wasn't easy and even now I am still getting the hang of things that I never thought of learning. I pray that God would grant me wisdom and management skills as I continue to tread further.
Thank God for change.
On August this year, I took a leap of faith and discontinued my research job at NTU to join my family business in beauty and finance. From neuroscience to full-on business, from data to doing presentations to big shots, the switch wasn't easy and even now I am still getting the hang of things that I never thought of learning. I pray that God would grant me wisdom and management skills as I continue to tread further.
Thank God for God.
I can't imagine what our marriage would be like without Him and the church. Through our hardships, He is there. God is good, all the time. Through trials, we became stronger, but most important, we learnt the lesson of faith and to rely on Him more and more. Without God, we would fall. With God, we would still fall, but He would carry us under His wings. We are weak, but He is strong. To the One who brings everything in place - Thank You Daddy God.
In the name of Jesus, I proclaim that 2020 will be a year of blessings and breakthroughs! Here's wishing all my readers a wonderful and blessed 2020 ahead.
Yours sincerely and signing off for the last time in 2019,
Thomas (salutation: limbeh)