There
have been many difficult moments during these early days of parenthood with the
hardest of which happening today. Last night I couldn’t sleep as I didn’t want
today to come. I knew that when I woke up the morning would go too fast and my
departure would arrive too soon. This morning I woke up knowing that I would
have to leave my family for a few days while I traveled to Chicago for work.
The
plane was scheduled to depart just after lunch so we all piled in the car
around 9:30 so that there wouldn’t be any timing issues. With my wife behind
the wheel I sat beside my son staring at him as the mile markers streamed by
the window. It was a ride that seemed to go on forever and one that ended way
too soon.
While
he usually sleeps whenever he is in the car, this time was different. He kept
opening his eyes and looking at me as if to catch one last glimpse before daddy
had to leave. Each time this happened was just as hard as the last.
When
we arrived I moved slowly to prolong the moment. I kissed my son and kissed my
wife. Then I watched them drive away as I made my way to the terminal doors.
Even
with the cluster at the counter when I found out US Airways and American
Airlines aren’t talking anymore, the confusion at security where there were no
signs directing which line to get in, and the debacle at the gate when seat assignments
were handed out to all passengers, I still kept thinking about the looks from
my son each time he woke up in the car. It is a look that persisted in my mind
throughout the day. Even later in the night during the client meeting and after
that sending time with a friend that I haven’t seen in over 3 years, I was
still thinking about my wife and my son.
It is
interesting to think about the changes that have occurred since the last time
that I was on a business trip like this. Last year this whole thing was still
new having only been at the company for 6 months, it was just my wife and me,
and the whole business travel was something with which I was still unfamiliar. While
by no means old hat, it is just a different experience this year. Same company,
similar trip, a new son, and reconnecting with an old friend.
Things
are different this year. It is going to be a great trip and an excellent event
but I know my thoughts will remain with my family. Three nights until I can see
my wife and son again. Until then, I have to work and enjoy the pictures that
my wife will certainly be sending me. Those are the moments to look forward to
each day.
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