Sat.u.r.day, continued …Yao Tan looked at his watch and noticed it was 2:30pm. Heading with Amanda to the stage area, he noticed the boys about to leave, so picked up the microphone set up there.
"h.e.l.lo everyone. My wife Amanda and I welcome our friends and family here to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of our children Tan Junior, Ton and Alecia today, along with the early celebration for my birthday on Monday. Children, could you and James please join us up here."
The boys with those few words knew their father spotted them, and unless they refused to join him and Amanda, Alecia would again become the centre of attention. They rutned and headed to the stage area joining their father, Amanda, Alecia and James on the stage.
"As you all know," continued Yao Tan, "I was thrust into parenthood at the age of sixteen. For you my children, and all of your friends out there let it be a lesson particularly is you are s.e.xually active with your boyfriend/girlfriend, practice safe s*x." That comment caused a ripple of laughter throughout the room.
"While I never expected to become a parent, let alone a sole parent at such a young age, given their mother decided to surrender her parental rights just after their birth, I have never regretted the decision to raise the three of you on my own. Seventeen years later, life has been an adventure with each of you, and I would not have changed a thing, despite having my wife with me."
"Now, before any of you yell out about my parents…"
Hou Yi could not help himself, and yelled out "Yeah them, and some close friends too."
This drew some chuckles from the crowd and someone added, "Friend and business rivals."
"Frememies?" came someone else resulting in laughter throughout the room.
"Thanks everyone, making a joke out of me."
"Well it is easy."
"Please let me be serious so we can get back to the fun." After a brief pause Yao Tan continued "Luckily I have the most wonderful parents who not only supported my decision to raise my children as a sole parent, they have graciously returned from their seemingly never-ending retirement holiday to come and join us in celebrating birthdays today." Yao Tan politely clapped, and everyone present jointed in.
"Their support when the triplets were born to complete the school year. But them made it clear I needed to raise and support the children. Their tough love meant I had to learn to care for and be financially responsible for them, but deep down I always knew the last thing they would see was their son or grandchildren suffer. They reminded me constantly that I needed to achieve my full potential, including ensuring I completed my education."
"While I was able to get my foot in the door at XF International, they ensured that being the CEO and Chairman"s son was no guarantee of promotion. I had to learn the business from the bottom up. I never had a free ride and achieve by my own actions. My hope is, my children you develop the same work ethic, as well as any siblings Amanda and I may have for you in the future."
"Despite everything I hope you realise my children you have been my priority. I want you to soar and achieve your dreams. You each have your own talents and skills and deserve the opportunity, within reason, to achieve what you want and explore to determine your own path."
That drew a few laughs, and without Junior and Ton realising it he had laid down the reality that they would end up facing.
"My darling daughter, you have just commenced your new life adventure. You are leaving us for just under six months heading overseas with your husband…" This drew gasps of shock from those guests who had not heard about Alecia"s marriage.
Yan Tan continued "…for him to complete his university degree, before you both return here with you joining XF International while going to University. Your path will be like mine, starting at the bottom and earning your way up. Can you and James please promise me that I will not become a grandfather until you turn at least twenty."
"Dad, who knows what the future will bring."
"Alecia, stop trying to give me a heart attack. The last thing I want is your husband performing CPR on me." Those around who knew that James was almost completed his nursing degree laughed.
Someone not knowing the joke asked "What is so funny?"
Anna responded "My brother has almost completed a nursing degree, so as a medical professional he would be expected to …" That then caused the laughter to spread once people realised what would happen.