#48 What makes you think I had an absent father? - with Lucas

Synopsis:

Continuing the series of Growing up with a Travelling Father, Lucas talks about his experience. Despite the financial constraints and the challenges brought on by his father's international career, Lucas expresses gratitude for a supportive family environment and discusses how travel and cultural exposure have shaped his worldview.

What This Episode is About:

A few things stood out for me in this interview with Lucas. He is now is now in his thirties and although during his teen years, he sometimes got annoyed at this father’s absences, he is convinced that it has shaped his love of learning other languages and other cultures. Isn’t that amazing! 

He also credits his mother a lot: she made sure they felt heard. She didn’t complain loudly when his father travelled. Although it must have been tough for her. Lucas mentioned she didn’t drive so getting places took a lot more time when his dad was away. 

His sister struggled more with his father’s travels and this is a great reminder that different siblings will experience a parent’s absence differently. Age will also play a part. Lucas didn’t even realise his dad was gone that much until he was 12 or 13. 

What came out loud and clear though is that he does not feel like he had an absent father. 

Listen to him talk about what it was like, in his own words.