A TikTok video showing a Singaporean woman holding up her daughter to wave at her husband working on a garbage truck has moved thousands of netizens.
The touching moment highlights a family’s love and pride in one another, no matter the job.
In the clip, a man wearing a waste management uniform is seen smiling from a garbage truck as his wife holds up their seven-month-old daughter.
The family exchanges warm looks as the truck slowly drives off from the HDB car park.
Speaking to 8world News, the woman, Nora, shared that her husband had messaged her that morning saying he would be working nearby.
She decided to surprise him by bringing their daughter downstairs.
Surprise for a hardworking father
I wanted our daughter to see what her dad does, and let him know that we are proud of him for working hard to support the family,” Nora said.
She didn’t tell her husband in advance and wanted to give him a surprise.
When he spotted them, he immediately asked, “What are you doing here?”
Nora said he was shocked, a little shy, and visibly touched.
Their baby even reached out for a hug, but he chose not to carry her as he was dirty from work.
Another video clip showed the man and his co-workers emptying a blue recycling bin while he glanced over and waved playfully at his wife and child, trying to entertain his daughter from afar.
A tough job with love behind it
Nora revealed that her husband used to work as a flower delivery driver but recently switched jobs to become a garbage truck assistant to earn a better income.
These days haven’t been easy,” she said. “But he goes to work every day with quiet strength, determination, and pride.”
She hopes their daughter will one day understand her father’s sacrifices and feel proud of the man he is.
Viral with a message
The video has since garnered over 290,000 views and 12,000 likes on TikTok.
Many praised the family’s loving bond, but some left insensitive comments, suggesting the child should study hard to avoid “ending up in the same job”.
Nora clapped back, defending her husband’s dignity.
Just because someone does work others don’t want to do doesn’t mean you can look down on them,” she wrote.
“There are people with degrees doing these jobs too — they are humble and empathetic. Don’t be surprised.”
She ended her message with a firm note: “I will always love my husband unconditionally.”
Respect for all workers
Nora hopes more people in Singapore will understand that every job deserves respect. “Every uniform carries stories of family, sacrifice, and love,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s these small everyday moments that hold the most meaning for a family.”
Suggested title:
Singapore mum lifts baby to wave at dad on garbage truck and reminds public to respect all jobs
