The Kindness of "Being Here"

"Family is not an important thing.  It's everything."

~ Michael J. Fox

I recently read an article by a mother who was reflecting on what she had been doing for the past 25 years.  Years back, she had left her job as an attorney to take care of her first child and then stayed home as two more children came along.  She realizes that what she has done for 25 years is "been here" for her family.  And she has been happy to do that.

I know so many parents, mothers and fathers, who have changed their life plans to raise their children.  Some have been able to stay home full time.  But many have tweaked jobs and professional aspirations to be able to parent in a way that makes sense to them.  I know women who have given up dreams of being a law partner or foundation president and men who have passed up opportunities for professional advancement that would involve too much travel and time away from home.  I know one father who won't spend more than one night away from his family.  I can't imagine that any of them regret those decisions.