Where one ends, another begins

by Carlos

It's been over a month since my last blog. I've been looking all that time for a moment to write this. In a sense, this is my farewell blog. I say that not so much because my 'status' has changed, but because as a part time worker, I really just don't have a moment any more.

I thought I was busy and tired when I was at home with one kid. I thought I was busy and tired when I was at home with 2 kids. Three kids just about pushed me over the edge. They're older now, but now I'm taking care of them after school and after I get home from working as a substitute teacher; now, I'm busy and tired! What's next??? Are grand kids even more exhausting?

Anyway, not to be a stay-at-home dad has been my dream after about day 3 when I started. It's finally here.

I asked my youngest if she remembers when her sisters were at school and we used to play hide-and-seek. She used to hide under the laundry basket and she used to say, "loo can't find meeeee!" (she can't pronounce her y's). She says she doesn't remember. Well, I remember, and I liked those times. In fact, I'm a little sad now that it's over. How I dreamed of the day when I could go back to work, and the work is good. But now that it's over, I realize how much time I spent trying to escape.

I can only hope that I don't let these times slip past me. It's true; they grow up so fast.
If it's ok, I'd like to say farewell to the past 5 years of my life; I really don't know what to say... it's been good, it's been bad. For sure, it's been real. Peace to you...

And I tip my hat to all parents. I don't know how double income families do it. I'm happy I'm not them. And to all you guys who change the diapers, get up in the middle of the night, and stop the endless bickering between siblings; When you get baby shit on your hands, when your favorite shirt has vomit on it, when you have to take the car seat apart again because they had an accident, when you're at play groups and you're the only dude over the age of 3, when you have to go to 'Mom and tot' time at the library, when it seems like you're the only guy who is driving a mini van, when it seems that you have more in common with your buddy's wife because of their kids than you do with your buddy, when night comes and you have a hard time realizing what really got done that day, and when you can't even remember what day it is; brother, this time will end. Make of it what you will.

Peace