This morning, I met up with my father for a planned hike, and he made the effort to catch an hour-long bus just to join me. Weather turned against us—Hong Kong issued a red rainstorm warning, with downpours soaking everything in sight. We came prepared with umbrellas, though, and pushed on undeterred through the trails around Tai Tong.
Our bond has strengthened considerably over the last few years. He shifted from a more rigid outlook to one that’s open and empathetic, eager to hear what his kids have to say while sharing his own experiences. These outings mean a lot; on his days off, we carve out moments to trek together, exchanging stories along the path before grabbing lunch.
He’s no stranger to hard work, well beyond typical retirement years. After stepping away briefly, he jumped back into employment, citing genuine interest in his field. Deep down, as his son, I sense part of it stems from wanting to provide extra stability, especially since my own path hasn’t always been smooth. That weighs on me, but I’m thankful for recent gains in my ventures. Looking ahead, nothing would please me more than proving my progress, allowing him to ease into full retirement without worries.
These shared adventures remind me how family anchors ambition, fueling the drive to build something lasting amid life’s uncertainties.