New Job

Dear Maddie,

Forgive the long time between posts, but I unfortunately let time get away from me far too often.  See, this past month we've been preparing for the start of the semester, trying to increase our numbers for the fall semester, and meet our goals we set this past year.  Now that has slowed down, but on the horizon is a new travel season that I have also been preparing to go on.  I know, I know, that means I'll be away again.  But - I have good news!  Daddy got a new job!

Yes, I will soon be back in town, no more road trips, and home every night to tuck you in bed.  I didn't really want to leave my old job - I loved what I did - but this was a great opportunity to move up in the school, learn something new, and increase my long-term chances of success.  So, I took it despite my fears of being able to do it and guilt for leaving my old position.  Hopefully there isn't a blog post here in about a month that says "Dear Maddie, I've been fired."

I tell you the truth though (and we'll make it our little secret, just me, you, and the Internet), you factored into the decision big time.  You and your mom are the MOST important things in the world to me.  I can replace a lot of things in this world - a job, a house, a car - but I can't replace my girls.  And more than anything, I can't turn back time.  I've tried!  In ten years when you're too big for me and a looming teenager, I'm not going to think "I really wish I would have worked more when she was a baby."  I am fairly certain that I won't wish I had spent more time on the road in hotels.  Strike that - I'm certain.

I can't get back this time with you, and it's why I'm so glad your mom isn't working right now.  Sure, we don't have a lot of money.  We don't get to do fancy vacations and new cars.  But how cool is it that we have the opportunity for you to spend your first several years of life with your mom at home?  I hope you appreciate that later in life.  I only wish we had been able to let your mom quit her job sooner!

And that is why I can't wait to get off the road again and back home every night.  Growing up, your Paw Paw traveled to provide for me, Gigi, and Uncle Greg.  I know if he had the choice, he would have been at home every night, too.  I was given that choice, and I thank God for it, so that I can see you more.  So... here's to more dinners as a family, more "catch the ball"  in the driveway, and more bedtime stories.  But please, can I tell you a different story than the Three Little Pigs?  Red Riding Hood?  Goldilocks and the Three Bears?  Anything by Michael Crichton?  Nope, okay, the Three Little Pigs it is...

"Once upon a time, there were three little pigs..."

Love, Daddy