The Woman Behind The Successful Man
Yap, you didn't read wrongly, that was how I felt when I attended MY ONE's promotion ceremony last night ... ... and as we reflected, it was all a journey of faith which began when Baby Neil (name given for number 5) came along.
When Baby Neil came along in Dec last year, we were caught in a daze, not knowing how we were able to cope with 5 children when MY ONE was slated to sail in Feb again, taking command of a ship. It was a posting that he had to fulfil to get his next rank only NEXT YEAR. But just before Feb arrived, MY ONE took a huge career suicide move to announce to his bosses that nope he would forgo command so as to stay by the family. I was really touched that he willingly gave up his career just so as to stay by me, I mean a career for a man, especially a military one, is almost everything! MY ONE reckoned that Baby Neil was a gift from God and since we have decided to have him, as stewards we should do whatever we can to nurture this precious gift from God, even if it means a stagnation in career for God will provide.
So we stuck by his decision, although I was upset that he went ahead with this decision without consulting me. Then miraculously, MY ONE was offered a shore position that he could not refuse. One that harnesses his networking and research skills. And by the grace of God, he did such a brilliant job at putting on a launch within 1.5 months into his new job (while having to take care of his grieving wife) that he received his promotion THIS YEAR and not next. The rest was history.
Although Baby Neil is in heaven with God right now, I am sure he would feel so proud of his daddy like all of us do at home. It was a journey of faith to say the least that Baby Neil came along and we decided to do God's will and have him at the expense of MY ONE's career. But precisely because we obeyed, God provided a faster alternative to MY ONE. That Baby Neil had to go at a time when all was planned out but we stucked by our faith, believed in HIM and did our part no matter how trying and with his grace, MY ONE attained his rank a year earlier. Only HE knows what's best for us and at the right timing.
So it was a bittersweet experience witnessing MY ONE receive his rank last night, just like how I felt when mid thirties came knocking. Amidst that was a feeling of bliss being a woman behind the successful man. And although my tai tai dream is far from realisation, it's an undescribable satisfaction being able to help my most loved attain his career aspirations. Icing on the cake was that I managed to make 2 important points to MY ONE's chief last evening, one to thank him for the opportunity given to MY ONE and two that our family is behind him all the way. Not sure if that went down well with MY ONE's peers and bosses present last night but that was the least I could do for him as his little woman.
But right now, MY ONE (if you are ever reading this) has to fix up his heart problems, else there will be no end to my sleepless nights.
When Baby Neil came along in Dec last year, we were caught in a daze, not knowing how we were able to cope with 5 children when MY ONE was slated to sail in Feb again, taking command of a ship. It was a posting that he had to fulfil to get his next rank only NEXT YEAR. But just before Feb arrived, MY ONE took a huge career suicide move to announce to his bosses that nope he would forgo command so as to stay by the family. I was really touched that he willingly gave up his career just so as to stay by me, I mean a career for a man, especially a military one, is almost everything! MY ONE reckoned that Baby Neil was a gift from God and since we have decided to have him, as stewards we should do whatever we can to nurture this precious gift from God, even if it means a stagnation in career for God will provide.
So we stuck by his decision, although I was upset that he went ahead with this decision without consulting me. Then miraculously, MY ONE was offered a shore position that he could not refuse. One that harnesses his networking and research skills. And by the grace of God, he did such a brilliant job at putting on a launch within 1.5 months into his new job (while having to take care of his grieving wife) that he received his promotion THIS YEAR and not next. The rest was history.
Although Baby Neil is in heaven with God right now, I am sure he would feel so proud of his daddy like all of us do at home. It was a journey of faith to say the least that Baby Neil came along and we decided to do God's will and have him at the expense of MY ONE's career. But precisely because we obeyed, God provided a faster alternative to MY ONE. That Baby Neil had to go at a time when all was planned out but we stucked by our faith, believed in HIM and did our part no matter how trying and with his grace, MY ONE attained his rank a year earlier. Only HE knows what's best for us and at the right timing.
So it was a bittersweet experience witnessing MY ONE receive his rank last night, just like how I felt when mid thirties came knocking. Amidst that was a feeling of bliss being a woman behind the successful man. And although my tai tai dream is far from realisation, it's an undescribable satisfaction being able to help my most loved attain his career aspirations. Icing on the cake was that I managed to make 2 important points to MY ONE's chief last evening, one to thank him for the opportunity given to MY ONE and two that our family is behind him all the way. Not sure if that went down well with MY ONE's peers and bosses present last night but that was the least I could do for him as his little woman.
But right now, MY ONE (if you are ever reading this) has to fix up his heart problems, else there will be no end to my sleepless nights.
posted by CAI at 9:31 AM
2 Comments:
I share your sentiments and I know that God works in his own ways. I know that it has not been easy for you, and I really appreciate all that you've done and standing by me.
As I said, I was really impressed and really enjoyed yr company and yr holding court with my Chief. I could see the rest staring...prob thinking how my chief could be so engrossed..who wouldnt? With a smart and beautiful woman.
You know sometimes I feel that I am the one weighing you down...There is no doubt in my head that you're the more driven one, and who knows how the future would have been if you had gone ahead with the Admin Svc back then... well but then we may not be togther..
Dont worry abt me, I'll stay healthy for the family. And God willing, you'll never be behind a legacy...Love
Hi CF,
Been a long while since I read your blog. I'm very touched (teary now) about your entry, and how you've finally come to understand God's plans for Baby#5 and how Baby Neil is still guiding your family along. U both are really such wonderful parents, so big-hearted in giving up your careers for the kids. May God always provide and that you be blessed in being the shining beacon of God's abundant love.
29-0ct-09
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