time for family
Leaving the Majors for More
Would you be willing to give up your career, your aspirations, and a $600,000 annual salary if your family was in need? I know a man who did.
In 1985, Tim Burke saw his boyhood dream come true the day he was signed to pitch for the Montreal Expos. After four years in the minors, he was finally was given a chance to play in the big leagues. And he quickly proved to be worth his salt, setting an all-time record for the most relief appearances by a rookie player.
Along the way, however, Tim and his wife, Christine, adopted four children with very special needs, two daughters from South Korea, a handicapped son from Guatemala, and another son from Vietnam. All of the children were born with very serious illnesses or defects. Neither Tim nor Christine were prepared for the tremendous demands such a family would bring. And with the grueling schedule of major-league baseball, Tim was seldom around to help. So in 1993, only three months after signing a $600,000 contract with the Cincinnati Reds, he decided to retire.
When pressed by reporters to explain this unbelievable decision, he simply said, "Baseball is going to do just fine without me. But I'm the only father my children have."
Heroes are in short supply these days, but I've met two of them. They are Tim and Christine Burke!
Background Information
Making Good Decisions
What to do about avoidance — one of the biggest time wasters around.
Evaporating Family Time
It's easy to get caught up in the business of life. It's not as easy to make it up to your kids.
Questions and Answers
I have very little time to spend with my children these days, but I make sure the hours we do get to spend together are meaningful. Do you agree that the quality of time you are with your kids is more important than the quantity?
Answer
Our son has been spending all of his time with friends and leaves no time for family activities. What should we do?
Answer
There aren't enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done and spend quality time with our kids. But I'm afraid that someday I'll regret my day-to-day decisions to focus on a clean house. How can I change?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
About Time
It's never too soon to start making memories with your children. For one dad, it's too late.
Missing Dad
Though in 5- and 6-year-old language I would have never called him a "workaholic," I suppose my dad fit the description.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
If you sweat the small stuff, it's time to learn how to break free from the control freak inside of you.
Fitting Kids Into a Life
We're well-versed in how to make it in the corporate world. What we need is a little advice about making it in the nursery.
Dare To Be Different
Encouraging individuality is the best way to fend off peer pressure.
Beyond Books and Diplomas
Do you want your kids to be leaders? The formula for getting there might surprise you.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
