While that seems to be an odd statement at first glance, upon reflection it makes perfect sense. My particular injury has kept me from working my second job on the 3 days a week that I normally work there. While this creates a void in the budget it increases the personal benefits of being home with my family. While the family isn't always home with me (college age kids), I'm able to be there for the sometimes fleeting few minutes where they are passing through. That should be all it takes to impart my great words of wisdom as they galavant off to this gathering or that class. I've realized how quickly the days go by and how I wish I had told them things long ago. They both are, of course in the "I know, Dad" stage of life where my arcane and ancient knowledge couldn't possibly apply to them in todays hip and cool circles that they are circulating in.
I have been pleasantly surprised at the time that my wife and I have been able to spend together. She always thought there would be a gnashing of teeth over the kids being too busy to be at home with us. She has subsequently changed that position to a healthy "well this is nice". We have been able to do things and go places that we normally wouldn't because of "the kids". There is a certain giddyness to knowing you don't have to be a full time parent anymore. It has become more of a part-time position where you step in or up as needed. At the same time the increased independence on their part leads to less budgetary subsidies and expenditures on their behalf. As dearly as one loves their children, empty nests are not all that bad!
