Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

Last Saturday, Anne had a bridal shower to attend. I had a free afternoon and was encouraged to do something for myself. I could golf, I could take a spin on the motorcycle, get a workout in or just hang out on the patio. Instead, I sent a text to my youngest to ask if he needed a hand with anything.

We agreed on a time and I buzzed over to help him assemble a she shed for his older daughter. We made it to step 21 of 83 in the time allotted. Instead of pushing for a couple more steps, Zach had the maturity to say, “Let’s put down the tools and go spend some time with the family.” Every parent hopes their kid ends up better than they were. I am fortunate to say I have three, and they all get it way better than the old man could have dreamed of or hoped for.

We headed inside, beckoned the dog who was sun bathing while we were assembling, closed the garage door and paid attention to the reason behind the effort. Youngest just woke up from a nap and I got to read a few different stories as she helped me turn pages, 14 at a time. It was glorious.

Shortly after, we toured the patio project with older daughter, checked out the volunteer squash plant and made our way to the neighbors swing set. Also glorious.

I chose to be a reader, not a golfer, not a biker, not a muscle head and not a bum. I chose to be a builder of things, a listener to my son’s challenges and aspirations, thinly veiled by assembling the most complicated project imaginable. I chose to be Dad and Pa Pa. 

I’ve been a striver for 60 years and my latest lesson came from one of my children whose time together I sacrificed far too often for a project, a client, a work trip or conference.

This is not a note of regret or I was such a dumbass story. It’s a never too late to choose a better path story. Success is fleeting and an angry task master that will leave you burned out and bitter. 

Have a blessed weekend and make time for your loved ones the entire journey, not just at the end.

Eric