For many, many months my older daughter would always include one special request in her prayers at bedtime. She would ask that
Daddy & his girls 
her Daddy work closer to home. Since February 2011 Tom (@SmartyPantsDada) has worked more than 2 hours away. For a few months he actually did the commute – back and forth – each day. Driving more than 4 ½ hours a day, I was a nervous wreck with him on the road. At the same time, during those 2 ½ months I was ridiculously pregnant or home with a newborn. Regardless the reason, Tom’s determination to be there for the family was relentless.
As the baby reached 6 weeks, I gave him the green light to stay in Naples overnight rather than commute. His company paid for hotel accommodation as needed, so there was no expense. We started with just a night or two, and then over the last several weeks it had turned into him leaving home early Monday morning and not returning again until Friday night. The weeks were long. The girls missed him. I missed him. He missed us more than anything.
This morning my daughter witnessed the power of prayer. Daddy announced that he had gotten a new job here in Miami. Every day he would be coming home. No more nights of soft cries that she wants Daddy to come home. The smile this morning made his heart melt. He is so happy. I am so happy. She is thrilled!
