Once upon a time, there was a lovely little family. They had a little boy, a neurotic dog, and a baby on the way.  Then something amazing and wonderful happened, they were called on an adventure.

The lovely little family.

This adventure would take them halfway across the country. Their second baby boy soon joined them.  The dad stayed home, worked part time, and savored every moment with the boys.  Backyard baseball, late mornings at the pool, and many a cookie baked.  The mom worked hard and was oh so good at her job.  They had another baby boy.  The house was full of love.  They up and moved again, this time up North.  The boys grew.  The dad stayed home, got another part time job, and continued to enjoy life.  Their furry friend grew old and died and God found them another furry friend (this one even more neurotic).  The mom continued to work super hard and was super good at what she did.  The boys grew some more.  They up and moved again.  Dreams had come true.  The lovely little family had grown.  Blessings had been granted beyond measure.

Three sons and their dad. Blessings that were once beyond imagination are now side-by-side.

Then the time came, time for a new chapter. It was time for the dad to go back to work.  Every moment had been savored.  Every blessing counted.  Every smile tucked away.

Sometimes dreams do come true. I’m living proof.

A wonderful new job and oh so many new adventures just ahead.

Postscript – Happy stories are born from so much love and caring. Thank you to my bosses and friends that made my part-time work possible, as well as a source of joy and pride, especially Misty Bruckner at Wichita State University and Larry Kleindl at Kandiyohi County.  My three amazing sons, who are such a source of wonder and have made every sacrifice worthwhile.  My beautiful, talented, understanding, generous, and especially hard working wife, Charlene, who made our once-in-a-lifetime adventure possible.  The dear Lord, who has blessed us in so many ways and never ceases to be our source of strength and happiness.  It has been an incredible ride.  Hold on, as we turn the page.