Dear, Dad... Hugs & Kisses, Alaina

With the kind of work schedule Dan has had lately, as he runs the businesses, the kids have become extremely patient and understanding about his time availability. But it hasn't always been that way. They have had to learn that dad has other responsibilities in business that need to be taken care of in order to provide the lifestyle our family wants and needs. They have had to learn that their dad doesn't have summers off, or afternoons off, or even some Saturdays off. They have had to learn that dads who run businesses, especially in the start up phases, don't just work 9-5. This is sometimes tough on them, considering that they want their dads time and they "want it now!!!"

 

They have learned to value the time he is home, and respect and cheer him on for the time he is away. Whether he is away investing in real-estate, teaching seminars, selling security systems, training employees, bidding landscape jobs, or anything in between. The kids are learning to appreciate what "dad being gone" means and how it dovetails into his family and church life.

 

Fortunately, Dan does a great job of utilizing the time he does have at home with HIGH PRIORITY and QUALITY time with his kids and with me. He isn't watching TV or doing "guy things". He isn't getting into the next hobby or finding excuses why he can't "be with the fam". Instead, he goes out of his way to make sure that if he has some time at home, games are being played, trips are being taken, relationships are being built, scriptures are being read, and memories are being made.

 

Well, since his time at home is often limited, the kids eat up every moment they get of his time. AND, we have to make sure they are constantly being reminded of how cool it is that Dad or Mom are sacrificing there time and money to create stability and fun in the home.

 

So, after a fun little weekend trip away, Alaina went back to school and started thinking about how fun her weekend was. She took the initiative, on her own, to stay in from recess to write her "daddy" a love note. The fact that it was unprompted by anyone or anything other that her own thoughtfulness makes me appreciate her that much more. It is cool that the coaching we are giving, although we think it probably goes in one ear and out the other, is actually sinking in with our beautiful young children. 

Thanks Alaina for sharing such a loving note with your dad. I know it touched his heart and brought him to tears. Actually, it brought me to tears too. I love knowing that you see all that your dad does for you and that you are beginning to appreciate it. We both love you so much. Thanks!