16/09/2026
For my Papa’s 80th birthday, we (the children and grandchildren) initially wanted to throw him a big party and invite all his friends. He said no. Then we wanted to book a private dining at a fancy restaurant. He said no. He wanted to eat homecooked food at home, and for his actual day today, he wanted to bring us to eat bak k*t teh at his regular breakfast haunt. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures in life are the most precious.
Papa just retired in June, after building and running his own business since his 20s. He loved his work, and rarely took leave. We were worried he would not know what to do with his time after retirement. Over breakfast, he shared with us about his active retirement life. He swims at the club and takes one-hour walks at the beach daily, plays golf a few times a week, takes the train to explore good hawker food at different parts of Singapore, and enjoys lunches at home with the grandkids when they’re home from school. I joked with Kaitlyn on our way back that he’s more active than any of us!
Blessed 80th to my papa. May God bless him with good health and abundant joy always!