Having a daughter myself makes me understand the true meaning of fatherhood. Like most Singaporean, I had a missing father in my life. He was there physically but not emotionally. But with a new addition (a baby girl), even our father-and-son relationship became much better.

My girl is 4 years old now, and life has never been the same since her birth. Everytime my wife and I go shopping, the first place we go to is usually the kid's department. Thinking of what to buy for our girl. New clothes, new toys, etc. But I guess that is the joy of being a parent, and you have to be one to know it.

There was one particular incident that really brought tears to my eyes. I was out at work, and as usual, I drove home and passed by the convenient shop. I stopped and thought of buying a chocolate bar for my girl. Paid and left. Smiling to myself how happy my little girl will be when she sees the candy.

True enough, my girl shouted with joy and gave me a big hug at the doorstep. We stepped in and enjoyed a short but precious father-and-daughter moment. Just when I am about to go wash up, my father came home. And in his hands, he brought home a packet of my favourite pepper crabs. Left it on the table and told me to eat.

Immediately the same joy I just witnessed earlier on, is happening to me. But many years of surpressing our feelings, I did not hug my father like my daughter did to me. I just mentioned a word of thanks.

I totally regret that moment. If there is such a chance for me again, I will surely not miss it again. I will give my Dad a great hug.

A dad is for life!