I volunteered to help organize a 3-day event, with the date set 10 months in advance. My plan was I’m going to stay near the venue for the entire duration.

A week before the event, my son’s school announced that they will have a family day on the last day of the event.

There was no question about whether I would attend. The only question was how can I make it work.

It’s very clear to me that family comes first.

I was able to be at home by 4:00am, woke up at 6:30am and drove to our family day venue and be there just in time at 7:30am.

Afterward, I took another nap, then drove back to the event.

Was it exhausting? Yes. But I had no internal conflict. My decision was aligned with my values. It was an easy choice.

I went to bed earlier than usual on a Sunday night with the idea of getting a full-night sleep. I really want to start the week right.

Julian woke up at 2:00 am and couldn’t fall back asleep.

He finally went back to sleep at 2:55 am, but now I’m the one who can’t sleep.

It’s Monday, and my eldest has a morning class. I have to wake up at 6:40 am to drive him to school.

The situation sounds horrible, but I actually don’t mind it. I see it as part of the full parenting experience to have this struggle. Though, I could not deny I’m struggling.

Despite the situation, I still have a lot of things I’m grateful for.

For the help we receive in preparing Joshua for his class. All I have to do is to drive.

For Joshua gently waking me up by kissing me, then whispering “Dad, wake up I’m going to be late na” when I could not get up by myself.

For Johan, who’s already awake and wants to join the school run just to spend time with me since I’m not the one who usually takes him. He says “I want to go with you.”

Those are worth all the sleep interruptions.