Writer Dad is a sublime site about family and fatherhood with well written tales alongside helpful hints and strategies to help render our children into remarkable writers. Please subscribe (for free) by RSS or Email. Thanks! Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell. ~Jean Paul Richter I’m not an emotional writer. I often write without pause; thought in time with keystroke. I can type for twenty minutes, crack my knuckles, then type for twenty more. Yet it is surprising to me, though I’ve been doing this for nearly a year, that I routinely catch myself on the verge of tears as I am reading something to Daisy for the first time. I never sob, just speak with sudden seams, surprised because I did not feel a thing as I was writing. The farewell was different. From the moment I sat at the keyboard, my heart was burning fuel. Any regular reader of Writer Dad knows the value I place on words. I’ve never written a post just to publish. The letter needed to explain what has happening, along with the why, and the when, and the how. The letter is a document that will stay in our family forever. A thousand words that sparked our migration. Not to place to much portent on a straightforward adios, but I soon realized I wasn’t writing a simple goodbye. I was penning a farewell address. Everything pooled into the first draft. I typed without ties. Words sat for a day, then multiplied. When the farewell was full, I sliced it in half, rinsing it of every dispassionate syllable. Our departure served also as introduction. Our families know me as Mr. Sean, a wordslinger for sure; but only from the pie hole. They’ve never known me to throw it down quite like I do for you guys. The last thing I wanted to deliver was our weekly newsletter. I planned to place our parents behind the eyes of our passion so that they might not only understand our intention, but cheer us along. If there’s something I thought I knew then, that I’m certain of now, it’s that Daisy and I were born to work in tandem. Like bow to fiddle and key to lock, symphonies sing and doors open when our thoughts find themselves breathing into open air. If we want the equation to balance, we must alter the variables on either side. Otherwise, we will never render dreams to reality. A life well lived is done with an open mind, and a readiness to risk. Though this conclusion casts our future into uncertain shadow, it is the shade we require. The letter did exactly what it needed to do. The response was next to perfect. I couldn’t have written that letter two months ago. I wouldn’t have had the need or the ability. I’m learning fast. Practicing every day. Here, for you guys. Thank you all for being here, and driving me toward something better. If you enjoyed my words, please subscribe by RSS or Email. If you’re a Stumbler, please consider Stumbling. Thanks. Related posts:
Our goodbye was written slow. Ideas were added to a marinade in my mind, where they swam for hours without rinsing. Nothing clinical.
Here are three excerpts to set the tone:
Writer Dad
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“If there’s something I thought I knew then, that I’m certain of now, it’s that Daisy and I were born to work in tandem” - you are so lucky to have that. If my hubby and I ever worked together we would most probably kill each other!
I am reminded by a great line that Zig Ziglar loved to use:
“Inch by Inch, Everything’s a Sinch”
Being a bit zen minded…I might add, everyday is NOW and you are smack in the middle of NOW. So far, so good!
Harmonys last blog post..The Art Of BEING in My Own Business - Part 1
My wife was born to inspire people…not only that, she is there to drive them to their potential. It’s weird how you mention not feeling while writing, yet seeing it afterwards…I sometimes feel that too.
Matthew Drydens last blog post..Stride
It’s hard not to feel emotional in the situation that you are in. I ‘m glad to read your report that the response was next to perfect!
All the best to your future endeavors!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Mind Travel To Ancient Egypt
“A life well lived is done with an open mind, and a readiness to risk. Though this conclusion casts our future into uncertain shadow, it is the shade we require. ” - I love this Writer Dad (Sean). You are going to live out your dreams, and there is risk involved. But that’s what makes life worth living, it’s what will really make you feel “alive”!
Lances last blog post..Don’t Ever Give Up
Good for you Sean! I love to see others actually pursue their dreams or, more accurately, their vision of their optimal future.
Like many, including yourself, have pointed out, there is risk involved. We all know that nothing worth pursuing is going to be truly ’safe’. But this should never hold us back if we feel called to something. I wish you the best and, like many, I will be here to watch your progress and cheer you on. Eric.
“Motivate Thyself”s last blog post..M2A! September (Comfort Zone) Week 4: What Next?
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
— Henry David Thoreau
Glad Doggetts last blog post..Tough as a rose
When one dares to put forth their dream, share their passion, or expose their fears, when one makes eye contact, lives authentically in the moment, and holds themselves humbly to the flame, one cannot help but be supported by those around them.
Leaving your clients with a newsletter stating, “oh, bye the way…”, or a “pink slip” announcement closing doors would keep them focused on their lives and this newest problem they have encountered (finding new daycare). Instead, you made it personal and invited them to participate in your good fortune. It keeps important bridges intact (and gives you more to write about!).
Kip de Molls last blog post..Pens & Hammers
“A life well lived is done with an open mind, and a readiness to risk. Though this conclusion casts our future into uncertain shadow, it is the shade we require. ”
Just beautiful.
You expressed so well the feeling my husband and I share about working together as partners. That is a special gift to treasure.
With that….you will go very far~
No matter where you end up!
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Remembering Pen Pals…
Congratulations on having the courage to take a risk. I hope the change enriches the lives of your family.
I am reading “One Month to Live” by Kerry and Chris Shook, and am slowly realizing the importance of diving into the deep waters.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Cutting the Fat and Choosing Words Carefully
Love how you and your wife are in it together. It must be so healthy and rich for your children to see their parents living a full and passionate life, as a team.
You know there’s only one person that can really bring the best in my writing and it’s my wife.
Sean,
Just beautiful! You COULD have written that letter two months ago…the words were there, but perhaps not the confidence behind them. I went back and read some of your old posts last night. You have ALWAYS been a good writer, but your confidence has exploded! And you deserve every single bit of credit for that - to be shared with Daisy, of course, as you both alter your lives.
I am just SOOOOO happy for you!
Rita
Sean, so what is going on? Are you quitting something? Moving?
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..duh!
“I planned to place our parents behind the eyes of our passion so that they might not only understand our intention, but cheer us along.” What a brilliant approach to saying goodbye. And it worked! Instead of being angry or disappointed, they are happy and excited for you. This is wonderful.
Vered - MomGrinds last blog post..A Weekend In Napa: 3 Days, No Internet, No Problem
Thanks for sharing this, it’s not unusual for me to experience something similar when I blog, though the impact often comes either when I re-read it myself and realize what it is I’ve just shared or when I share it with someone else, my wife.
Faulkner said, “”I never know what I think about something until I read what I’ve written on it.”
Food for thought
Jonathan Fieldss last blog post..Conned: Why I’m Glad To Be An Occasional Sucker
Tara: Don’t feel bad. My parents worked together and practically did. By the way, I’ve tried to comment a couple of times on your posts (this morning included) and for some reason, I’m unable. I can’t get my cursor to land in the comment box. I might be being dim, but I don’t know what to do. Any ideas?
Harmony: Smack in the middle of now is one of my favorite places, until I get to thinking about tomorrow.
Matthew: It’s true. I’m totally dry while I write. Then all of a sudden, I’m all weeping willow weird.
Evelyn: Our parents have been wonderful. We feel fortunate for their response.
Eric: There are few things with low risk and high reward. The lottery and um… I’m sure there’s something else.
Glad: I don’t want to park myself in the middle of the woods, but Hank definitely knew what he was talking about.
Kip: “When one dares to put forth their dream, share their passion, or expose their fears, when one makes eye contact, lives authentically in the moment, and holds themselves humbly to the flame, one cannot help but be supported by those around them.”
You, brother, are undoubtedly a writer. Get to it.
Emily: Thank you Emily.
Wendi Kelly: I’m glad you can work with your husband. Not everyone can work with their partners, but we can, should, and will. It will proved us the best balance, even if it’s not in the bank.
Jamie: Their is rarely treasure in shallow waters.
Jess: It is one of the finest things we give to our children, and our students. For three years, the children we teach have seen a working model of a loving husband and father. I believe this is one of the most difficult things for our parents to lose.
Chris: Word.
Rita: Yes, my confidence has exploded, and I do owe that to the comment (cheerleading) section, and all the private emails.
Hayden: We are closing our preschool at the end of this year. Daisy and I are trying our hand at some new, exciting projects. Writing, obviously, is the first horse pulling the team.
Vered: Thanks. I felt it was a fine line. I didn’t want too much bravado, but I wanted the words to vibrate. Judging by the result, it was the best decision.
Jonathan: I love that quote. Never heard it before, so thanks. It’s true. Often, when I start writing, I’m rather surprised what comes out. I never knew myself better than when I finished the first draft of my novel. That if for no other reason, gives purpose to our writing.
Hi Writer Dad,
I’ve no doubt whatever you and Daisy pursue you’ll be successful. With a love as strong as yours, with the talent to write which you have, and the faith to move forward, there is no limit on what you can achieve.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Blogging - Filling A Void In Our Lives
Please don’t take this the wrong way but I’m quite confused as to what you are referring too, and I read your blog a lot.
What is the farewell for exactly? Unless I need to read the post again
Cheers,
Glen
Glen Allsopps last blog post..10 Things You Are Not
You write beautifully. You “throw it down” in such a way as to make me want to read more - you struck a chord.
Your journey began long ago, before you even opened the daycare. This “closing” is of course, also an opening. The opening of the door to the next chapter of your life. I would say that instead of casting your lives into shadow - you are entering the light. The light of new possibilities - of dreams that will make their way from your hearts into the physical realm - and fill your hearts with gladness at the same time. Sure, there is risk, but in order to reach a higher level - you always have to give up something on a lower level.
Keep your dream and desire burning in your mind and heart - and it will come true.
And, please keep writing.
Lee Anns last blog post..You have immense power
That must have been one hell of a letter.
I look forward to hearing about the projects you will be pursuing.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Ways to Settle a Dispute
“I often write without pause; thought in time with keystroke. I can type for twenty minutes, crack my knuckles, then type for twenty more.”
Writing doesn’t come that easy for me, but I still like to take my hacks at it. Your stuff seems effortless, if that can be said in a positive way about someone’s writing.
Ooo, I liked “Seven”. Most people I know didn’t. Spacey was good in that, but its hard to beat Verbal Kint/Keyser Soze.
malathionmans last blog post..The 100 Million Dollar Question
Barbara: I’m reaching for the sky, but for now, I’m just happy there’s no ceiling.
Glen: Sorry for being confusing. I’m really glad you told me. I went back and added a link to yesterday’s post. My wife and I are closing our preschool so that we can move on to some other things. The farewell was a letter we gave to our parents. I promise I’ll get better at connecting the dots.
Lee Ann: Thank you so much. Your words are touching. I promise I’m not pausing, nor am I going anywhere.
Bamboo Forest: I’ll announce the first one pretty soon.
Malationman: “Your stuff seems effortless…” I take that as the highest compliment. Thanks. I can see not liking Seven, it is pretty grim, but the Usual Suspects… perfection. Noir for a new era.
Pretty special to be following dreams like that together. Love taking risks. Finally found someone too to share my dreams with and that was what required me to move from Sydney, taking me own risk.
And of course, only been reading and commenting here for a bit and every post seems significant at the moment.
Good luck Sean. Nice to hear that you are so deeply involved in this with your wife. Sounds like you two have something terrific.
Jamess last blog post..Hey, it could happen…
Weird, I could have sworn I commented here and it’s not here. It’s okay, but weird.
stephs last blog post..Magic in the Air
Benjamin: Thanks for saying that. It’s the way I like to write, every post significant.
James: She’s nothing less than my best friend.
Steph: That’s not a comment! You might be thinking of the post from the day before. Same subject.
Farewells are toughest when there’s no path forward. You have a journey and you’re on a mission. You’re set.
That said, there’s always something tender about those heartfelt good byes. I don’t say good bye in those cases. I just say … until we meet again.
I don’t know if you know just what an amazing wordsmith you are. You don’t just write: you sing and dance and play with words in ways that make us readers feel refreshed, loyal, and happy to have witnessed the fun. I’m sure that came through in your letter, too.
SpaceAgeSages last blog post..Criticism’s dark and light sides
J.D.: With all of our clients, it’s until we meet again.
SpaceAgeSage: That’s one of my favorite things anyone has ever said about my writing. In fact, I think you’ve inspired me to start a page of quotes from readers. Thanks Sage, that was really nice.
Hi WriterDad.
I just wanted to say that I recently found your blog and find it incredibly inspirational, especially considering my own attempts to finally take the risks and devote myself to my true passion of writing.
I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts the last few days and your family comes across as extraordinary.