“Connoisseur of fine things,” “gentleman of leisure,” “man-about-town…” These are just a few of the things I’ve heard myself called over the years. But those days have since been lost to tears.
It seems as if I’ve been the center of attention and constantly in the midst of some kind of business venture. When I was younger, it seemed as if I had an eternity to work things out. I had a mental blueprint laid out to accomplish my goals and dreams. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that things don’t always go according to plan.
I’ve worked contracts, retail, real estate, Internet business, you name it. My head has been known to wear multiple hats. Add family to that scenario and it’s safe to say that I’ve spread myself thin over the years.
“Dad, do you think you can make it to my recital?” “Honey, will you be home for dinner tonight?” “Baby, my mother’s really sick, and needs someone. Do you think you will have time this weekend so we can check her out?”
Questions such as these always seem to abound. Juggling the responsibility of family, career and social life has been akin to walking a tightrope. It has shown me that money and material items aren’t the most important assets. Those fall behind me. Living my life with the people I want to be in it is most valuable. Thank God for my current wife, because before her all of my relationships failed.
I’ve been working 60-plus hours per week since I was in my 20s, a habit I’m not willing to sacrifice. But I’ve suffered grief because of it.
