No one desires to be a long-distance dad. Neither did 30-year-old Dominique De Smet, who moved to Asia with his family to pursue his career with an international logistics firm.
However, his chosen career path abroad did, in part, cost him his marriage. Hence the long-distance scenario.
An adoring father to his sprightly 6-year-old, he stays in touch with her via Skype and regular calls at least once a week.
He says, "I wish we could become closer, as it is hard to see my daughter grow so fast on the other side of the world.
"Even within a week she looks and acts differently. She left with her mum when she was just a small toddler."
Can you describe what it's like to be a long-distance dad?
"The biggest challenge I am having right now is missing those moments where you can play, cuddle and prepare your child for school.
Seeing families with kids at playgrounds, pools and parties is painful at times, as you know there is some part of you missing — not knowing what she is doing on a daily basis, like most other parents would know of their children."
What are your deep reflective thoughts as a father?
"I can only say, every father should enjoy having their kid(s) around, not only on this special day but throughout the year and your lifetime. Reflect on what your dad has done for you and who you’ve become today.
"It is important to be there for the little ones at any time of the day, no matter where you are. Time flies and we’ll never know where we are tomorrow…"
Now happily remarried, Dominique hopes to have an addition to his family and to finally be a ‘zero-distance’ dad!
