Just this past week I gave my family the biggest surprise yet. For the past several years my wife and children have traveled to Indiana to visit her parents and sibling’s families for about three to four weeks. My work requires me to stay put during the summer months when I am most busy so it has worked out very well. However, I always miss my children dearly after the first 48 hours. We talk on the phone and they always ask when I can come to Indiana. It is heart breaking sometimes to hear them say it.
This year there was another variable. My wife’s father was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and has his prostrate removed about a month ago. He still has to undergo chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation. I have not seen my wife’s family in three years. I had a gut feeling that I just needed to make it happen. I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life if something happened to him and I never got a chance to see him again.
Therefore, I set the wheels in motion to surprise everyone. Without telling anyone except my colleagues, I made arrangements to fly out to Indiana, rent a car and just show up unannounced to be with them for the last week of their visit. Without boring you my own emotional details it may have been the best thing I ever did for many, many reasons. Both my wife and children thought a stranger was knocking at the door since it wasn’t until 11pm that I arrived at their house. When I said, “I came to see the tooth you lost” my daughter said “dad”, my wife said, “Mike” both in a questioning manner. It was a joyous moment and memory that will last a lifetime.
I spent a great deal of time with my father-in-law and I am glad to say he is very positive, optimistic but yet realistic. He spoke with such logic about his condition it was scary. I hope I can be as levelheaded as he if faced with such adversity. It certainly did not stop him from spending countless hours of quality time with his grandchildren.
Sometimes you just have to follow your gut and do what you know is right and important. The work you left behind will survive and will be there when you return. There is nothing more important than your family and your character. Live your life with no regrets!
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