A Lesson I Learned From Jade

We bought a packet of Ribena drink for Jade and Jade realized that there is a layer of plastic seal around the cap. So, being a loving father, I offered my help to tear away the piece of plastic as it was tightly sealed and I assumed that Jade could not tear it open.

But I was wrong... Very wrong.

Jade refused my helped and confidently told me that she can do it. And because I wanted to see how she does it, I agreed.

Jade started off by using her tiny fingers to pull the plastic out. As it was really very tightly sealed, it seemed impossible for her to pull or tear it open. Nevertheless, she continued to do her best to peel it off slowly but alas, she could not do it.

I then offered my help again.

Instead of giving up and handing over the packet drink to me, Jade again told me that she can do it. After spending some time with no success, she changed her approach and used her teeth to attempt to bite the plastic seal instead. I almost wanted to stop her for fear of her hurting her teeth/mouth but I stopped myself. I told myself then that I have to let her do it, because somehow I believed in her.

With much effort, Jade finally tore the plastic open and she proudly held the packet of Ribena drink and showed me, saying 'See Daddy, I told you I can do it.'

At that moment, I was also very proud. Proud of her determination, proud of her never say no attitude, proud to be her father.

At the same time, I reflected on myself. While a five year old girl can have so much determination to get the result she wants, as her father, I am not doing enough. Not enough to get the results I want. Not enough to go for the achievements I can.

I believe that I can achieve better things in life for my family. Somehow, my determination is not as strong as my daughter's. Perhaps I have lost the faith that a child has. Perhaps she is here to show me that I too, CAN! Whatever the reason, this is a very important lesson that I have learned from Jade.

To end, as I am typing this post, I would like to share this quote I am seeing now on my calendar.

I think sometimes we are just not certain of what we can achieve, and we choose not to do it. But if we believe and do it without thinking too much, we can certainly achieve greater heights.

Lastly, these are some updated photos of Jade. The one with the heart in the apple was an idea she thought of and she presented it to me. All I can say is I am blessed. :)