The other day, after coming home from work, my wife suddenly asked me, "What's your dream?" I gave her a perplexed look, wondering why she’d ask something so out of the blue. I recall responding with something along the lines of, "A salaried worker with a decent pay?" She then added another stipulation to the question, suggesting I answer as if I were talking to our child, Osam.
Hmm... Physical labor jobs are challenging as one ages. Should I suggest a desk job like mine, or maybe getting a certification for operating heavy machinery? Lost in these unnecessary thoughts, I gave my response. After listening, she mentioned a video she had watched featuring Alberto. "Your dream doesn’t have to be a profession" she said. Whenever I was asked about my dreams as a child, I'd give vague answers like becoming a police officer, a public servant, a scientist – whatever seemed impressive or interesting at the time. The concept of "a dream beyond a profession" wasn’t something I’d pondered. Now, as a salaried worker, it feels like I’ve become a slave to money, finding satisfaction simply in a good paycheck.
I later looked up the video my wife mentioned. The video stressed that a dream doesn't necessarily have to be tied to a profession. The speaker recalled how, in his childhood, he dreamt of becoming someone specific, but by the end, he expressed that his dream was to be "a person who has a child like Leo." How effortlessly such thoughts were expressed amazed me.
I hope Osam grows up healthy. But when he's older and we can converse, I wonder if I'd be able to tell him, "Having a child like Osam was my dream." Just the thought of expressing this to him makes me emotional. Why am I becoming so sentimental?
The linked video below is for future reference.
I posed this question hoping our child would recognize the beauty in the world. I see myself as somewhat ill-equipped, especially when it comes to expressing joyful or happy emotions. But for the sake of Osam, who will soon be joining us, I need to make a greater effort to be positive and comfortable with such expressions. This isn’t just about our conversations, but also our actions, playtimes, and having the capability to truly embrace our child.
Let's work hard, Daddy Osam!
Towards the end of the video, there’s a scene where a child is playing with blocks. After stacking them as tall as the child, the father says, "Your support on the side is your dad."
I used to think of the person in the video as just a smart individual interested in Korea, from shows like "Welcome, First Time in Korea?" and "Foreigners in Korea." But after seeing videos where he educates his child, I’m impressed. I’ve come across mentions that Dr. Oh Eun-young has praised his parenting techniques. Although I don't watch YouTube much these days, I should consider checking out Alberto's parenting methods.
Dear Osam, even if I seem deeply entrenched in worldly matters, I'll be there for you, supporting and cheering you on, hoping you'll see more of the world's beauty before becoming jaded. With just under two weeks left, I hope you make your way into this world without causing your mother too much discomfort.
Recorded on March 24, 2023.