My first child was born a few days after I turned 19. Looking into his eyes as I held him, I told myself I wanted to give him a better life than I had.
I was a homeless teenager, and I had to raise myself. I had to figure everything out and start my adult life from desperation and struggle.
I wasn’t going to let my son, Michael, experience the same things. I promised myself I would show him a better life and what’s possible through my actions.
That’s why I recently took my adult son to a fine-dining experience in Bangkok.
We grew up together, and he got to see my growth
By the time he was born, I had started my first business, and it grew quickly. As Michael grew up, he saw the small businesses I started and came to work with me.
My son was curious and asked questions about entrepreneurship, money, and what it means to live a good life. We had great conversations on father-son workdays.
His mother and I eventually got divorced. I worried it would put emotional distance between us and undo the lessons I was teaching him, but that wasn’t the case. We kept building our relationship after the divorce.
Michael graduated from high school, went to college, and got an adult job. I was glad to see him applying what I taught him and putting in the work to build his life.
I moved outside the US when I became an empty nester
After years of traveling and living in a dozen countries, I settled in Bangkok, Thailand.
My son recently came to visit me in Thailand, and I wanted to remind him about the conversations we’ve had about what’s possible.
Michael came to see his old man, and I took him around the city. I showed him all the touristy things in Bangkok, and he was excited to be on vacation from his job.
I took him to a Michelin-star restaurant
I’ve had many fun experiences traveling to 89 countries and have eaten delicious food in many places, but I’ve never eaten at a Michelin-star restaurant.
Michael and I went to Sühring, where I paid $900 for this three-Michelin-star fine-dining experience.
The service, the absolutely delicious food, and the time with my oldest child, enjoying the finer things in life, are something I’ll never forget.
We took our time during the 3.5-hour meal. We savored each course and continued our lifelong conversation about goals, dreams, working hard, and what’s possible if you’re willing to take action.
But the meal was the real conversation: Each course’s creativity used taste, texture, presentation, and flavor to create a unique eating experience.
I got to try German Whisky for the first time. It was expensive, but sipping it made me feel bougie.
Each course and the service gave us an experience we normally don’t get. I sat there motivated to work even harder so I could have more experiences like this. I shared that with my son.
Even though it was expensive, it was worth every penny to show him the life he can achieve
I got to show Micahel he can experience the finer things in life if he’s willing to work for them. It made the price worth it.
My son saw firsthand that my business’s success could let me spend $900 on a meal without thinking about the cost.
I didn’t get these kinds of experiences growing up, and it affected my mindset negatively. I started my adult life with so many limiting beliefs because I didn’t have anyone to show me otherwise.
Thank goodness for therapy, which helped me overcome my past trauma and learn to see what’s possible for my life.
I’m grateful for this Michelin-star experience, despite the price. My son left Thailand with a vivid life lesson in the best way possible. I feel I’m doing my part as a father to raise a strong young man.
