In The Real World

In the real world, it can throw you some pretty nasty curves. Life in general is not a pretty place, and that is one thing my youngest daughter is learning. I always tell her, "Welcome to Adulting 101." Yet, when one wants or dreams of owning a business, for some reason, multiple challenges come up, whether financial or related to their job; it can turn a bright idea into some of the hardest and most demanding hardships one never thought they would walk through.

We all go into business with the mindset of devotion, making compromises, and being willing to work that business until, often, we just can't stand anymore because exhaustion has set in. I am facing several challenges at the moment.

My parents, my dad is turning 96, and my mom is turning 94. Never in my mind would I ever see myself caring for both my parents. I know that sounds selfish, but in my defense, I still see my dad playing tennis at the country club and kicking every opponent's butt. I still see him doing his job within the court system, standing in his beautiful suit, ensuring that he has the proof to put people away for their wrong choices in life. I can still see him taking three steps at a time, charging up the stairs, ready to discipline me because my mouth got me into trouble.

I can still see my mom in her office with the name on her desk as the Vice President of her company. She is still wearing her stylish suits, her face made up, and I can still see her in the kitchen cooking our nightly dinner meals.

Now, my 96-year-old father requires help putting his shoes on, putting his socks on, or calling the paramedics because he has fallen now 9 times. He has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and constantly shakes, making eating or drinking a daily challenge. He is no longer six foot six; now he is maybe five foot eleven. My mom has not yet met the 90% dementia, but she is surely on her way.

Every weekend, I would love to go out and promote my business by passing out single-serve cheesecakes along with a menu of choices for their enjoyment at privately owned businesses or events, or anywhere, for that matter. Yet, every weekend, I am doing their grocery shopping, hitting up Costco, then making that almost 90-minute drive to and from. I help my mom with her laundry, I make food for them to last a whole week, and I am constantly repeating myself to my mom about anything I know I have shared eight or ten times before.

I know what many people think, and many have said I'm selfish. My parents raised me, they educated me, and they financially supported me; they have made their own sacrifices, so why can't I make mine and put my business on the back burner? Is it timing that is wrong, or is it fate telling me to stop? I love what I do. Making my delicious cheesecakes, and when the customer comes and sees my own creation, the smiles on their faces, the awesome reviews I am getting, the orders being placed, it fills my heart with so much love, and it tells me that I am doing the right thing.

So, why do I feel so guilty?