Going Against the Grain

I did something today that I haven’t done in quite some time. I ventured onto the NYC subway system during the morning rush hour with the little guy. What a zoo! There are certain things that I do not miss about the corporate life – this is certainly one of them. My son enjoyed trying to make eyes at all of the straphangers, but most of them paid him no mind. They were too focused on their music, smartphone video games, newspapers, or catching up on some lost sleep.

We got out at Grand Central Station to transfer to the Shuttle over to Times Square. The flood of bodies passed by us like we didn’t exist. Going against the grain, the look on their faces was what intrigued me most. Everyone had that look! You know the one I am talking about-staring at the ground in front of them-focused so intently to get where they are going. Was where they were going REALLY that important? At the time, I am sure they think so.

At a reflective time like this, the life of an at-home dad is sobering. More often than not, I get to breathe a little more easily and take in my surroundings when I am going from point A to B. Don’t get me wrong. We are usually in a rush and run late to just about all of our play dates & appointments. Consequently, we do stop and appreciate the little things. Even it is explaining to my 17-month-old son…the liquor advertisement on the wall, or describing the flashing red lights on the subway, or explaining why people keep getting on or off the subway. We stop to appreciate and observe.

We won’t be traveling during rush hour for a while. As I reflect on the hectic morning “commute”, I still smile, amused by the life that I lead these days. Lucky me! Despite the experience, I still miss working sometimes and all of that adult interaction.

At-home parents, do you still miss the hustle to work?