A Month of Gratitude, Day 3
What brings me gratitude? This month, I’m sharing a daily gratitude journal to help me through my annual seasonal depression.
I wouldn’t be able to write this entry if it weren’t for NBC’s Craig Melvin. His #DadsGotThis story on me and Addison in January has allowed for this year of successes to happen. One dad was interested in another dad. Thank you, Craig.
My third entry brings me to the journey from Absent Dad to Present Dad.
I know I’ve shared this story over and over, but there was a time when I felt like I was an absent father. Ashleigh will tell you that wasn’t the case, but working in college sports is a lifestyle, not a job - so much so that there would be days I wouldn’t see my kids awake because I left for work before they were awake and I got home after they went to bed.
She’ll say that they are too young to remember how much I worked and that I was working to support our family. From Louisiana to Texas to Florida to Georgia, our family foursome had traveled thousands of miles for me to “provide.” It was exhausting. However, I always tried to carve out fun time with my kids - whether it was trips to Chick-fil-A or coming with me to work at the baseball park or a walk in the park. I was always trying to overcorrect and overcompensate for the time I missed.
Then a job loss helped me put my life in perspective. It was a big RESET for me. While I struggled to find a job for months, I did have more time to spend with my kids. I coached some of Jackson’s sports teams, but I’ve now taken a step back as an involved sports dad rather than a coach. I pivoted my focus to Addison and writing notes to her was my way to bridge the dad-daughter relationship.
I don’t know for sure if our relationship would be different if I hadn’t started writing notes to her, but I do think these notes have strengthened our relationship.
And this journey wouldn’t have started had I not been told on March 7, 2016, that my contract wasn’t being renewed and that I was being let go in three months. I thought my life was over that afternoon, but five years later, I think it’s just beginning.
What are you thankful for this year?
GRATITUDE JOURNAL ENTRIES
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