BY Senushi Liyanarachchi
Dear diary,
I finally feel like I’m reaping the rewards of my hard work. For some reason, I’m unfazed as the pay on my monthly salary increases, or as the funds in my bank account slowly grows.
It only really hit me today, when I was invited to work on an advertising project in Japan. Unless an employee holds a senior position, it’s rare for our company to send them on a work trip. Although I’ve been promoted, it never crossed my mind that I would be able to travel.
I can’t wait to tell Deepa and Sunil. Japan has been on their minds since we watched the East Asian culture documentary on late night television three years ago.
It was their dream destination, and one of the driving forces for me to excel at my career. It’s been a major source of guilt, not being able to give my children what they deserve, but seeing everything come into fruition makes me feel as if I’m finally doing right by them.
This is something I’d like to share with my parents too. Their phone number stays on my nightstand. I haven’t used it, mainly because I don’t know what to say. “Hello. I made a life for myself without your help?” It’s not the best opening, but maybe I can send them a postcard from Tokyo, or if I’m feeling up to it, bring them back a gift to personally deliver.
I don’t know what I’ll do, but I just want to see them proud. There’s lots I want to tell them, there’s a lot they would be proud of, but I can never bring myself to contact them. I will…soon. Until then, I’m putting all my focus into making this the best trip for my boys.
I’ve already started making an itinerary for my free days with gaps for their input too. I’m wondering how I should break the news to them- maybe a Japan travel guide, or maybe I’ll be creative and put together a basket of all their favourite Japanese snacks? I’m so excited for them, they deserve the universe and more. Everything finally seems to be falling into place.
Until next time, Anika.
Note: Dear Diary is a fictional feature article written by Senushi Liyanarachchi, a passionate writer based in Australia. Senushi’s fictional character is Anika, a single mum, battling through life’s storms.
