X 6.6.14

I’m afraid. I have never left my wife and kids overnight. In less than two weeks, I’ll be gone for nearly six straight days.

We are fortunate in that both my wife’s and my parents are about 15-20 minutes away from where we live. Also in town are her sister and my sister. We have a very strong support team nearby. And my wonderful wife has more than given me her blessing. She is encouraging me to go and “refill my cup.”

But, I’m leaving my wife and sons for six days.

I almost spent the night away from my family in summer of 2012. Twice, Iron Maiden played Wisconsin. I love Iron Maiden. They NEVER play Wisconsin. And they played our state TWICE in one summer. But, I couldn’t stomach the thought of leaving my son for a night.

I almost spent the night away from my family in January 2013. I drove with a friend to see Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits play in Chicago. But, neither my friend nor I wanted to overnight it. He and I both had a wife and a little one at home.

And now, in June 2014, I am planning a road trip 1000 miles away from my wife, my 2-year-old son, and my 2-month-old son. And, maybe unsurprisingly, it’s for a concert.

Not just any concert. It’s a festival in Quebec with 150 bands, including many, many punk and hardcore bands I loved growing up. And I hope to collect some good interviews for this website while I’m there. And I hope to read all my Buddhist books and magazines and come back a more patient, pleasant person.

Still, it’s a concert. It’s a selfish thing to do.

My family will be well taken care of while I’m gone. But, still. Six days. I’m afraid.