One of the first blogposts I ever wrote was four years ago. The title, There is Nothing Good about Goodbye, was chosen as I mourned the high school graduation of my oldest daughter, Hannah.
Today she graduates from Vanderbilt University, prepared to continue her quest to work in pediatrics. Her graduation is a reminder that time is fleeting and that there is still nothing good about goodbye.
Four years ago, I wrote the following:
After 18 years and 4 months of life together, it all changed yesterday when we dropped our oldest off at college and said goodbye.
Let me go on record. There is nothing good about goodbye.
I will admit it is time and that she is ready. I will also tell you she is going to the right place and that we have done all we can do up to this point.
However, I won’t tell you that this is easy. There are too many prayers, bed time stories, tea parties, father daughter runs, family dinners, conversations, vacations, and hugs that have been experienced for this to be easy.
What does all of this have to do with leadership? A lot if you ask me.
To have integrity as a leader, you have to get it right at home. Too often, I see leaders who wreck their influence because they fail to focus on their family life.
You are the only one who can fill your role in your family. You can’t delegate it and you can’t expect your husband or wife to do it for you.
Make the most of your opportunity. Time is short and it goes faster than you think.
When the day comes to let go, you don’t want it to be a good day. Pain is the price you pay for love if you have done the right thing.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Go get em girl …
Today my heart is proud of her accomplishment, and I could not be more grateful to have had a front row seat
to her beautiful life.
So congratulations, kid. Well done. Keep chasing your dream!
But don’t expect it to be easy for your mom and me.
Why?
Because there is nothing good about goodbye.
Leadership Begins at Home,
Randy
How are you doing at balancing work and family?
Comment Below …
Randy, This year my oldest daughter graduates high school. To make it worse she is going overseas to Ireland for TWO years through OM. She wants to be a part of the Big Red Bus team. I am so very proud of her, and at the same time so sad that my little baby girl is moving on. I know our goal has been to prepare her for her journey through life. That eventually we would have to let her go. But it still isn’t easy. Our youngest is only five but before I know it she too will be heading off…
Thanks for the post.
Ja
Enjoy every moment, Jason. Thanks for commenting!
Randy, I haven’t seen you in years which really makes this post hit home. Thinking back to when we were in school (you were several grades behind me) and now you have one graduating from Vanderbilt and this spring I have one child graduating from cosmetology school one child getting married another graduating high school and my youngest getting her drivers license. Time truly flies and the best investments of the little time we have are those into your family. Great post and congratulations to your daughter.
Thanks, Anthony. That’s awesome!