There’s a type of tree that’s planted all over Singapore. It’s known as the rain tree because of its iconic umbrella shape.
Not only is it incredibly striking to look at, the sprawling canopy provides the perfect respite from the oppressive heat we experience here year-round.
It’s planted extensively throughout Singapore for this reason.
It has fast become one of my favourite trees. Not just because of the shade it provides or how beautiful it is to look at, but for the symbolic meaning it’s come to represent during this time of our lives.
Singapore herself has provided our family with the cover we’ve needed following our diversion from Hong Kong. Cover that has allowed us to reset and recalibrate.
Of course it’s not just Singapore, but many things. Our savings, for example, has given us the safety net we needed to take the risk we did.
Then there are our family and friends who have been nothing but supportive. Who have come to visit and help us move. Who have made us feel so welcome.
They, too, have acted as cover.
While we are incredibly fortunate to have the cover we do, it’s worth recognising that this canopy hasn’t grown overnight. It exists, in no small part, because of the time we have taken to nurture our roots over the years.
Of course, it’s our roots that we need to pay attention to.
The mistake we make while looking up at the canopy above us – at the places we want to go and the things we want to achieve – is we forget to water the very ground we’re standing on. But, of course, that’s how we get there.
That’s how we really grow tall and flourish.
But nurturing our roots serves a much more important function than simply feeding us the fruits we want to eat. They also provide us with the stability we need when life’s inevitable storms hit home.
It’s our roots that prevent us from getting swept away.
It’s my wife – more than anyone or anything else – that has provided that stability for me following my own diversion from aviation.
Without her taking over the mantle of breadwinner, I wouldn’t be able to take the time to do what I am. To nurture my health and well-being – to regain the lift I need to climb skyward again.
Towards a new and exciting destination.
Let me say, to my wife – who I know will read this – just how much I love and adore you, just how grateful I am for everything you are and do. For your incredible patience and understanding – for your loving, kind-hearted nature.
You’re not just the best life partner to me, but the best mother to our two ridiculous boys. We are truly blessed to have you.
I want to wish you a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday.
Let me finish by extending that gratitude to all mothers everywhere (including – especially – my own extraordinary mother). Thank you for providing us with the cover we need to weather life’s storms.
For helping us come out of them even stronger.
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Clear Air Turbulence 