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Hey Dad,

Sometimes I hate being "The Familyman" … especially when my wife uses it against me.

You see, four months ago I loudly proclaimed that we were going on a Wilson family vacation to Florida. After all, I was going to be speaking down south and Florida wasn't that much farther.

Now, I feel like I'm rushing around trying to meet a bunch of deadlines … and I could really use that week to work instead. "Besides," I told my wife, "we probably shouldn't spend the money … and it is out of our way."

For several days, my wife and I went back and forth discussing the pros and cons, and all the while, I became more convinced that we should abort. I reasoned that maybe we could go in the spring … or better yet, we could plan for the next November.

That's when she reminded me that I'm the Familyman.

"You know," she said, "I guess I feel a little disappointed in your decision. It's not a very 'Familyman' kind of answer. The 'Familyman' would say, 'Vacations are more important than getting "stuff" done, and sometimes money is just an excuse.'" And then she added, "We don't want to communicate to the kids that 'work' is more important than family."

Ouch! That hurt … I mean really hurt, because I knew she was right. Family is way more important than getting work done and being a tightwad. I want my children to know that family is more important than schedules, deadlines, and bank accounts. I can't just say it; I have to prove it to them by living it.

That's right! I was blind, but now I see! So I announced yesterday (again) that we're going to Florida!

"What about all the 'stuff' you needed to get done?" my wife asked.

"It'll get done."

"What about the money we'll spend?" she added.

"Oh, we'll end up spending it on something else anyway."

She didn't say it, but I could hear her think, "That's my Familyman."

Dad, I almost listened to the practical side of my brain instead of the dad side—which is usually the right side.

How about you, Dad? Have you been listening to the dad side of your brain lately? Or has the practical side gotten in the way? It's time to throw some cold water on your face, puff out your chest, and make decisions that teach your children about what's most important. So cancel a business trip, don't work late tonight … or … go to Florida.

You 'da dad,

(reprinted from 2004)

© 2008 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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