Family Man: Chevy Chase Did Not Prepare Us for This

I throw the last of the huge duffel bags – which could double as walruses – into the station wagon, climb into the driver’s seat and breathe a sigh of anticipated island relief.

“We’re going on vacation!” I say, too cheerily, to my equally overworked wife, Wendy.


Everything has gone according to plan. Our sons, wearing their favorite pajamas, sit groggily in their carseats. There are picture books, crayons and pacifiers in our carry-ons. Arrangements have been made for pet care. My wife and I have yet to argue. And my mother-in-law, Cindi, is tickled to ride between the kids as we head for Puerto Rico, a trip she and my father-in-law have made possible.





For more Family Man reflections, go to:

  • A Beautiful Mess
  • Loving Mud and Monkey Bars
  • Something About Mommy

  • Fear and Parenting
  • Just Like Me?

    • This is where the perfection ends. Some 18 hours later, my haggard family – ravaged by hours of transcontinental travel and changing time zones – drags its collective butt onto my in-laws’ sailboat.


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