When I accepted a job with Focus on the Family in 2009, we were living just outside of Hershey, Pennsylvania. While I headed to Colorado, my wife and kids stayed behind to finish school, spend time with the family and sell our house. It was an exciting but challenging time for us as a family. It was the first time we had really ever been separated.
I started at Focus on February 6, 2009. A few weeks later, I received one of the best presents ever: a stuffed animal named Bobo.
For any dad who has been separated or is currently separated from his kids, you know how hard it is to stay connected. Bobo was my way of staying connected to my family. Soon after Bobo arrived, I started a blog capturing the stories of “Bobo and Me.” Here are some excerpts from that blog, presented from Bobo’s perspective:
Hi. My name is Bobo. I would like to welcome you to my little world. I embody the hugs and kisses and love shared between a family.
Before we begin this little adventure, let me give you some background. You see, my companion is a dad. He has a wonderful wife and three kids. They have this great tradition of family hugs. The book, Hug, by Jez Alborough became a family favorite and I embody that inspiration to this family. The dad was called to a job in Colorado Springs, but the family had to stay back and finish school and sell the house. They had a real peace about this decision. Yet the kids felt dad was lonely, and I came out to cheer him up. This blog is about our adventures together. But I also hope that it will inspire you to share your story and to know that time is short. Enjoy every second you have with those you love. Inspire greatness. Extend grace and mercy. Create incredible memories. This is my story… and I’m sticking to it.
This was our first hike together. We had lots of fun. I’m not sure what people think of my companion who takes me everywhere, but people seem to think it’s cute. Cute… they must mean me.
I love to discover stuff. I don’t think my companion was thrilled with this discovery, but that is the fun of going on an adventure. It reminds me of the movie where some funny guy said, “Look out for number one, but don’t step in number two.” I suppose that is the joy of the journey.
I am so excited. This is my first flight. I am a little nervous but excited to see Nick, Anna and Emily and the rest of the family. My companion is excited as well. The pilot was gracious enough to let me sit with him in the cockpit. He was a little embarrassed and did not want to be in the picture with me. (I am not sure why.) Anyway, the flight was great. We even got drinks and some nuts. I can’t wait to fly again.
As you can see, I had lots of fun staying connected with my wife and kids while we were apart. We still talk about Bobo… he doesn’t travel with us as much these days, but for a brief moment in time he seemed to help bridge the distance between us.
In his book In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, author Mark Batterson asked this question: “Are you living your life in a way that is worth telling stories about?” Whether we’re together or apart from our kids, we are scripting our family stories. Staying connected is the key.
This post was written by Roy Baldwin.
