Dad, Tell Me About the Time (59)

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

What is the worst thing about living without the kids?

I’m always working on different projects around the house, but two things are making these projects more difficult. One, I’m getting older and I’m not as strong as I used to be, so it is difficult to lift heavy objects and two, I used to always have a strong child around to help me lift heavy and awkward objects. Lisa does what she can to help, but she isn’t as strong as a teenage boy.

On a more serious note, I really miss being an intimate part of my kids’ lives. 

If you could go back in time and do something differently, what would it be?

There are many things I’d do differently if I were able to go back to my teenage years, but I assume this is asking about my child rearing years. I think I’ll answer both questions.

If I were able to go back to being twelve years old, knowing what I know now, I’d be much more social. I’d try and get involved in more things outside my own little world and I would try and make more friends outside my comfort zone. Both male and female.

I have very few regrets about my life after I met Lisa, but I would definitely try and be more patient, I’d get less worked up about things that don’t really matter, and I’d try better at not getting drawn into an argument.

Outside of my family life, I’d probably make a career change when I was let go from Kyocera. I went back to Hi-Z because it was easy, it was less disruptive to my family, and I did still hold out hope that I could make it a financial success. Knowing what I know now, I think I may have tried to get a job with an aerospace company. That would have been fun.

Even as I say that though, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. I felt inspired by the spirit to make the choices I made, and I love my life as it is. I love my work, and it would have been tough on the kids to pack them up and move while they were in high school.