In between exhibitions I passed my oldest daughters sitting outside of this restaurant (it’s weird when you see your kids just out in the world sometimes simply being people right?). So I had to snap this picture to remind myself of this moment. Speaking of moments, yesterday, I came across a quote from someone aptly named Dadman Walking who said, “I don’t wanna to be dramatic, but the workweek continuously restarting is literally ruining my life.” Hilarious!

Have you ever felt trapped in a week that seems to have no end? This past week has been relentless for our family. Last night marked the fourth consecutive evening we arrived home well after 8 PM, exhausted from juggling all our commitments. Volleyball practice for Olivia, track for London, and Riley’s apprenticeship at a farm in South Georgia have turned us into nonstop chauffeurs.

At one point yesterday afternoon, I found myself sitting in my minivan, parked outside the farm, squeezing in work calls while waiting for Riley. Ironically, I was on the phone with another dad friend doing the exact same thing—just waiting. We joked about being glorified Uber drivers, minus the tipping and the pressure for five-star reviews. Not complaining, though; we definitely signed up for this.

Adding to the usual chaos of our routine was exhibition week at the girls’ school, a time when the learners showcase projects they’ve worked hard on. Although rewarding, exhibitions can be draining after already long days, especially when we have four separate events spread across the week. We brace ourselves knowing it’s more marathon than sprint.

Still, exhibition week always holds special moments—conversations with other families, pride in our daughters’ achievements, or sudden realizations that snap us out of the weary dadman walking haze. Those moments remind me just how beautiful our precious life is, especially because of the people we share it with.

One of those unforgettable moments came yesterday during my oldest daughter Riley’s exhibition. At the end, the guide began describing the recipient of the session’s core values award. As soon as she began speaking, I knew—that’s my baby girl.

This hero led a launch that was nothing short of incredible. She opened with a personal story, allowing herself to be vulnerable in a way we never expected to see from her. She told us about her passion for animals and the environment, where it began for her as a 7 year old, and why it mattered. One hero even said, “That was by far the best launch this studio has had this year.

Afterwards when the guide announced that the award for learning to be would go to Riley Wakefield, the entire studio erupted in cheers. Watching that moment was so proud for me as a father because I love it when my girls are seen. I was so caught up being in the moment that I forgot to capture the moment… now it only lives in my memory. I guess that’s ok. I’m thankful for the moments that snap me out of the “dadman walking” daze.

Amidst the exhaustion and chaos, it’s moments like these that remind me why it’s all worth it. The late nights, the sacrifices, and the constant encouragement. My girls are discovering themselves and, in the process, learning how to simply be.

SDW3