I stepped into my hotel room to a
pleasant surprise.Lots of room surrounded an inviting king-size
bed, flanked by overstuffed armchairs that rested against
sliding glass doors that opened onto a private patio.A small
dining table sat next to a kitchenette with a separate sink,
refrigerator and coffee machine.“Wow,” I thought
to myself. “Nice place.”I love hotels—from
the Holiday Inn Express to the Ritz-Carlton and everything
in between.I love to enter a clean room, hang my clothes
and gaze out the window, walk out in the morning knowing
that each afternoon when I return, someone else will have
made the bed.I like in-room dining and the way they greet
you so professionally.“Nice to have you with us again,
Mr. Goldsborough.”Very cool.The problem is that unless
Alison travels with me, I never sleep well in hotels. I
miss my family.Even though Linus and Camille, at ages 4
and almost 2, find a way to interrupt even the best night’s
sleep at home, still, I’d rather be with them.I’ll
take Linus clamoring over me at five AM or a kick in the
chin from Camille over the finest linens and a chocolate
on my pillow.When I’m on the road I yearn for my loved
ones.I’m deeply troubled by the number of parents
who wake up too late with the realization:“My children
grew up too fast. In the hustle-bustle of career and corporate
rat race, I missed their childhood.”What they fail
to say but too often inwardly think causes me even more
pain:“…and I barely even know them.”This
applies to couples as well—so in a hurry to get who-knows-
where—a destination seldom defined.Relationships turn
into co-habitations, romance into convenience.Very disturbing.A
hundred years from now, no one will remember the size of
your bank account, the car you drove or the square footage
of your house.The world might differ greatly however, based
on your impact in the life of a small child.Your life will
most certainly improve, if you pay attention to your significant
other, make the choice to put her or him first.Your example
will benefit the rest of us.Our world cries out for role
models and heroes of every day living.What could you do
today to let your loved ones know how much they mean to
you?What will you do tomorrowAnd the next day?Think of one
specific action that you can take, and take it.Then think
of another one and take that, too. yourself to find new
ways to express your appreciation and love on a daily basis.It
will pay off ten-fold at home.On those slightly stressful
days when the grass looks a little greener and you feel
like maybe you need a break, remember thisRoom service will
never kiss you goodnight.That’s A View From The Ridge.
About The Author
Ridgely Goldsborough invites you to subscribe to his free
weekly inspirational column
at http://www.aviewfromtheridge.com/
He would love to hear from
you by email at: mailto:[email protected]
