Letter to My Sons #11

Dear sons,

The other day, Đạo pleaded, “I don’t want you guys to get a divorce.” The room fell silent and he went on, “Please don’t get a divorce.” I forget what we were talking about that led up to that topic, but I remember the vibe. I was touched that my ten-year-old son wanted his mom and dad to stay together.

In a coincidence, your mom and I were going through a few issues a few days before, but we made up. I did not know how to respond to Đạo’s comment other than telling him the truth. I made a promise to myself that I would never divorce your mom. I am willing to do anything to stay together. Though I cannot hold your mother back if she wants to leave me. I hope that we will never have to come to that path because it will have a tremendous effect on all four of you. You guys are what your mom and I have together. You are our joy, our life, and our connection.

God forbid that divorce will never come up, but if it will, you will be our priority. We will do our best to make things work for you. Not having a father around had a profound impact on my life. I do not want that to happen to you. I promise you that I will be there for you as long as you need me.

I can’t speak for your mom, but I have a sense that she will do all that she can to keep us as a family. We are not perfect, but we will work on our flaws because we love our family. We will be there for each other through thick and thin. As long as we don’t give up on each other. We will make it.

When your mom and I got married, we chose a song titled “Bài ca hạnh ngộ” by Lê Uyên Phương that we loved. Whenever I feel down or doubt about our marriage, I remember this particular line from the song: “Rồi mai đây đi trên đường đời / Đừng buông tay âm thầm tìm về cô đơn.” (Later, on our journey through life / Don’t let go of my hand to seek your quiet solitude).

Love,
Daddy