3. Australia

We were happy for Dad that he was going to Australia for this special course but at the same time we were sad he would be away for such a long time. This was the first time we were separated. I was 12 years old.

The night before he was due to leave was a terrible time had by all. Mum was helping Dad with his last minute packing. My brother was trying to do his homework without success. I was standing at the entrance of my bedroom, feeling very sad. I was going to help Mum with the packing but with such a heavy heart laden with so much sadness, I just couldn’t do it. Instead I turned and went back to my room, closed the door, lay down on the bed and burst into tears. I tried to disguise it by placing a pillow over my head so my crying could not be heard. But Dad must have suspected or heard it because the next minute, I felt him lift the pillow. He lifted me up and I put my arms around his neck and clung to him so tightly and cried bucketsful of tears. And Dad just cuddled me with his warm, loving arms. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew was when I woke up and it was already morning. Oh no.....I thought......this is it!

I sat at the edge of the bed and suddenly I heard Lai Ho’s voice greeting Dad. I quickly got up and went to have a shower. All dressed, I came out and saw Lai Ho sitting in the dining room. I walked towards him and sensing that I was sad, he put his arms around and comforted me. I put my head on his shoulder and vowed not to be sad.

Now, with everyone all ready, we set off for the airport. When we arrived at the airport, the other 5 Colombo Plan students were there waiting. They came forward and greeted Dad and we were introduced to them. Dad was the oldest in the group and they told Mum they would look after Dad and for her not to worry about a thing. Then the boarding announcement came over the loudspeaker. We said our farewells. As they were walking towards the departure gate, Dad turned round to give a last wave. I ran to him and gave him another hug and kiss and told him how much I loved him. He also told me he loved me very much and to always remember that I was “Daddy’s girl.” He gave me a last big hug before he disappeared through the gate. I stood there with tears in my eyes. Mum came, put her arm around me and we walked to the parked car. Lai Ho drove us home with my brother in the front seat. Mum and I were in the back and I buried my head on her chest and sobbed.

We arrived home and Mum invited Lai Ho to stay for lunch. I was just standing by the front window and thinking about Dad. Then I saw Joseph, our gardener coming through the front gate on his bicycle. I ran out the door to greet him and he could see that I had been crying. He quickly put his bicycle down and came towards me. He put his arm around me and we walked to a seat under a cherry tree. As we sat down, I put my arms around his neck and sobbed uncontrollably. He held me tightly in his arms. He knew Dad and I were very close. I felt so much better now as I sat next to him, still leaning on him. Mum brought out some lunch for Joseph and me. We sat down talking as we ate our lunch. I thanked him for being such a good friend, too. After lunch, I helped Joseph with the gardening.

Life went on as usual at Maxwell Villa but we all missed Dad terribly. I made a special calendar for Dad and put aside 15 minutes each night to write on it something especially for Dad to read when he returned. And everyday after school and homework, I would go and help Joseph with the gardening. Sometimes when Joseph stayed back to finish whatever he was doing, Mum would always ask him to join us for dinner. Occasionally he would ride home or I would walk home with him to have dinner with him and his family. I loved going there especially playing and looking after their son. He was so cute!

The months that Dad was away went so slowly. I was pining for Dad so badly and the thought of my birthday without him was unbearable. I tried not to think of it too much. Instead I tried to keep myself occupied and do as much as I could so the time would go by quickly and we would have Dad home again. My birthday was due the following week. I told Mum I didn’t want any fuss especially with Dad away.

I woke up in the morning of 23rd July, my 13th birthday, feeling really sad. I sat at the edge of the bed and started to whimper. Mum and my brother came into the room. She put her arm around me as I lay my head against her chest while my brother held my hand. I then realized I had become a teenager! Wow! Suddenly I felt so grown up and gave Mum and my brother a big hug. Mum then handed me the present Dad had sent which she had hidden. I ripped the package open. It revealed a beautiful scarf. Then the phone rang. My brother answered it and told me it was for me. I took the phone thinking it was my best friend. Then my face beamed as I heard Dad’s voice on the other end of the receiver. I was so excited. I told him how much I loved the scarf and thanked him. He told me how sorry he was for not being able to be there on my important birthday and told me how much he loved me. I told him how much I missed him and that I loved him very much. I said goodbye and passed the phone to Mum. I felt so happy!

A few people started arriving by 11.30am. Joseph and his family were the first to arrive laden with all kinds of food. Then Beverley, my best friend came and we both went outside to the front garden. As we were approaching the cherry tree, we saw Lai Ho arriving. We both ran to him. Holding each of our hands, the three of us went inside the house. The table was so beautifully arranged. There were so much different types of food. Everyone had a great time.

July passed. It was now August..........the month of Dad’s return. But unfortunately, during his last month’s stay in Melbourne he contracted pneumonia. We received a telegram telling us he was in hospital. We were all so worried and didn’t know what to do. Then a call came from Dad telling us not to worry and that he was in good hands and getting better and he would be out soon and on his way home. We were so happy with the news. We started counting the days when he would be home.

Finally, the day arrived. I got up very early and was ready before Mum and my brother. I was waiting for Lai Ho to arrive so I could give him a hand in cleaning the car before going to the airport. After cleaning the car, Mum invited him to stay for breakfast.

We made sure we arrived early at the airport so we could see the plane landing. We were waiting at the observation deck, all excited and then we spotted the plane coming in. Once we had seen it landing, we went to the gate where Dad would come through.

It was a very crowded plane and we had to wait for some time. Nevertheless, we didn’t mind the wait because we knew Dad would be home and that’s all that mattered. Eventually, among the crowd, we saw Dad emerging, a hand waving excitedly and a big smile on his face. The happiness that radiated among us as a family was tremendous. I ran to him and we hugged each other so tightly. By then, Mum, my brother and Lai Ho were there next to him, too, and more hugs were exchanged. Oh, the joy in having Dad home again!