BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
KUCHING: “Being a father means being there, even when it’s tough, even when you don’t have all the answers. It means loving unconditionally, sacrificing without hesitation, and always finding the strength to protect those who matter most.”
This heartfelt quote from the movie “Iron Man” encapsulates the essence of Father’s Day. In the world of superheroes and extraordinary powers, even the mightiest warriors acknowledge the unparalleled significance of fatherhood.
This day honours the everyday heroes in our lives, celebrating their boundless dedication and the profound impact they have on shaping our futures.
Just as superheroes stand tall in the face of adversity, fathers demonstrate immeasurable strength, support, and guidance.
Thirty-six-year-old Andez Gregory Moris shared that the journey into fatherhood began seven years ago with an unwavering love that swelled within his heart as he stood by his wife’s side in the delivery room.
In that sacred space, he witnessed the miracle of life unfold before his eyes as his wife brought their precious children into the world.
“It was a profound moment that marked the beginning of my journey as a father, and I will forever cherish that memory,” Andez said.
The arrival of his children brought forth a newfound sense of purpose and meaning in Andez’s life. Their tiny fingers and innocent eyes opened his heart to a love that knew no bounds.
He discovered that fatherhood is a continuous process of growth and learning — a path that challenges him to be the best version of himself.
“As years have passed and my children have grown, I have learned to appreciate the simple joys and embrace the responsibilities that come with parenthood. The unconditional love I have for my children has made me a more compassionate, patient, and selfless person. They have given me a new purpose, and their happiness has become my greatest priority,” he added.
Balancing fatherhood with other aspects of his life, such as work and personal hobbies, requires careful time management and prioritization. Working as an assistant medical officer did not stop Andez from spending time with his family.
“I make a conscious effort to be present and engaged when I am with my children; setting aside dedicated quality time for them. During weekends and school holidays, I maximize our time together, and when pursuing personal hobbies, I often involve my children so that we can share experiences and create memories together,” said the 36-year-old.
Some of Andez’s favourite activities to do with his children include beach trips, camping in their own backyard and attending church together every Sunday.
The journey of fatherhood has imparted in Andez a profound understanding of the power of leading by example.
“As a father, I’ve come to recognize that my actions speak louder than words, and my children are constantly absorbing and learning from everything I do. They look up to me as their role model, and it is my responsibility to ensure that my words align with my actions,” he said.
This realization has instilled in him a sense of mindfulness and accountability.
Apart from that, Andez has a profound love and connection with his children. It is an indescribable privilege to be their guiding light, their source of comfort and their unwavering support.
“The moments of laughter, the warm hugs, and the heartfelt ‘I love you’s’ are priceless treasures that fill my heart with immeasurable joy and gratitude,” Andez expressed.
Meanwhile, fatherhood is a role that knows no boundaries for Ganggang Latit as it transcends physical distance, forging unbreakable bonds of love and devotion.
For fathers who find themselves living far from their children like him, the challenges they face are unique, but so too is their unwavering commitment to nurturing and supporting their offspring.
“Communication is always the key, so I will always initiate the conversation with my children through WhatsApp and video call at least once a week. If one of them did not respond to my message, I will directly call them. I’ll ask them their whereabouts and activity so that I will be indirectly involved with them,” he said.
Lucky for him, his children always keep him updated with every single situation that they encounter in their daily life, and it has given him the chance to discuss and decide together.
“As a parent, it is my obligation to ensure every decision made is given the best so that my children will receive the best in their life,” said the 49-year-old.
Ganggang also reviewed that being far from each other is undoubtedly challenging and can evoke deep emotions. This father acknowledges the difficulty and copes by filling his days with activities that bring him joy and fulfillment.
“I will not think much about it, and I fill my day with a lot of activities such as planting vegetables, flying remote control drones, and going out with relatives or friends,” he expressed.
Moreover, he prioritizes spending quality time with his children during their long school holidays, fostering shared experiences and creating lasting memories.
Co-parenting is a crucial aspect of fatherhood, even when living far from one’s children. This father exemplifies effective co-parenting by leveraging his network of trusted friends and parents.
“For example, my oldest son is staying in Johor Bahru, and he is married himself. When he has any problem there, I always ask my friend who is a parent themselves that stayed nearby to assist my son with his problem. This collaborative approach ensures his son receives the necessary support and guidance, reinforcing the importance of a strong support system.
Drawing from his fatherhood experience, Ganggang offers valuable advice to other fathers in similar situations. Patience and consistent communication are key, ensuring that the bond remains strong.
“Financial support, including allowances and daily expenses, demonstrates care and provides stability. Expressing love and praying for the best outcomes further solidify the emotional connection between father and child,” he noted.
