Jack on the Airplane

Every February, I used to travel to Texas to support my company and its week-long conference. I’ve never been a big fan of travel, but I always thought this was cool. It wasn’t the subject matter that attracted me, but rather the chance to get away from the regular routine. Working in a cube or small office is never fun, but the camaraderie of good people makes a big difference.

My desire to travel changed in early 2006 when my first son, Jack, was born. Yup, it was once of those “love at first sight” deals. As soon as he arrived and changed our lives, my wife and I were his forever. And suddenly, this business trip to Houston did not look so attractive after all.

Many other dads travel a lot more than I ever have in the name of work. (C.C., I’m lookin’ at you.) Whether by plane or train or automobile, they make this sacrifice – perhaps spending days at a time away from their family – all in the hopes of making their family’s lives better.

During my last trip for the company, it sure felt like a sacrifice. All my enthusiasm for this special week was gone, replaced by a longing to stay home with my family. It was not easy. Certainly, my wife had to take care of things by herself, but emotionally, while the cubicle routine was interrupted, it was our family routine I missed most.

I recorded a podcast episode for Baby Time during that business trip, and it ranks up there as one of the most miserable recordings I’ve ever done. But why record? To share with others, and let them know we Digital Dads feel the strain of the nomadic life too, even when it one comes once a year.

So, you do what you can to connect with your home: phone calls, video chats, and pictures galore. You stay connected. You remind yourself you’ll be home soon, and remind the loved ones there that you care. In the end, the welcome home is both a glorious ending and beginning again, all at once.