Last night was one of those moments of vulnerability for our family. Both my wife and our 10-month-old twins caught a cold. Their sniffles and uneasiness disturbed the usually quiet ambiance of our home. As for me, it had been an exhausting week as I had pulled my back the previous week. The acute pain had made me almost immobile, rendering me incapable of assisting with childcare. This had left my wife singlehandedly managing both our kids and a temporarily incapacitated husband.
Amid this, there was an impending overseas business trip for me next month. It’s a privilege of my job that I can often choose when I take on assignments. However, last night, tensions rose as my wife pointed out what she perceived as my selfishness. She was overwhelmed, stressing that she doesn’t have the luxury to take time off from motherhood, no matter her health or circumstances.
Morning came, bringing with it a fresh perspective. As the sun’s rays streamed in, my wife approached with an apology. “I said too much,” she admitted. It’s not that I didn’t understand her exhaustion and frustration. I too have been trying my best, juggling between work and the responsibilities of being a new father. However, it’s an undeniable truth that the weight of childcare predominantly falls on her.
Parenthood isn’t a journey filled with only joyous moments. It is demanding, and sometimes, even overwhelming. But today, a silver lining appeared. Seeing our little ones bounce back to their cheerful selves after taking fever medicine brought immense happiness. It’s a reminder that there will always be hurdles, but together, we should tread patiently, without pushing ourselves too hard.
Life is a mix of highs and lows, and it’s essential to remember that every challenge is temporary. As we navigate the maze of parenting, it’s the little moments, like seeing our children’s recovery, that make everything worthwhile.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 