Jumping off the ladder
Seasons change and there is a time for everything. It was a fun ride at my corporate job for many years, but looking back, I realized I missed a lot of important moments. Even the moments that might seem small or go unnoticed to many. That’s why I made a change and you know what? I regret nothing. 
Today, as I held my 5-month old grandson in my arms as he slept, his tiny breaths like melodies in my ears, I felt such incredible warmth. with the sounds of his breath like melodies, I felt such warmth. Don’t get me wrong, most of the time in my career, I had supportive leaders that were happy to grant time for family moments. They respected the time off that I had earned and deserved. But the more recent experience was a constant mental tug-of-war and I couldn’t feel like I was completely present to even hear those precious melodies, always with one eye on my phone in case the current “leader” reached out with some issue or question that absolutely could have waited.
Being Present
Founding and opening Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s was a path that was (and frankly, is!) scary at times. Matt and I both made a good living in the tall, glass building downtown. But money can’t buy the rewarding feeling of being present.
When some health complications arose with Grand5, I could be there without being pulled in a million different directions at work. I was truly present and it felt so good. Each and every day, the hugs that both our 8-year old grandson and 3-year old granddaughter rush to give throughout the day are worth more than the paycheck!
Reflecting back, I truly believe that everything has happened at just the right time. Yeah, I missed a lot of our daughters’ high-school moments when I traveled for work and commuted from PA to WI. But there is a time for every season. A time to work for someone else and a time to venture out on your own.
For me, every single moment now is worth more than the corporate ladder. There is even a bigger bonus than I had imagined, being able to give our presence to littles while the season is right for them to be in our care.
We get it. We know the struggle. We believe in the power of presence, and we’re here to support you in achieving that for your family.
I forgot one more moment I don’t want to forget… it’s when Grand3 asks me to “make” her hair. She likes for me to do it in my office when she arrives instead of having Mommy do it at home. How sweet is that?!?