leaving the marine corps for my family.

As a Combat Engineer in the United States Marine Corps, I was always busy and away from home. Because of that, I missed much of my family’s lives. After the accident that ended my military career, I came home for good and became a stay-at-home dad.

I was raising my first daughter when the world went on lockdown during Covid-19. With so much time at home, I began to question my priorities. I realized my family’s physical, mental, and spiritual health had to come first. I yearned to feel whole and to teach my family skills I didn’t yet know. So, I started gardening, won chickens at a raffle, planted fruit trees, and even took in a free pig. I lost 70 pounds, and my wife—pregnant with our third child—only gained eight. Our diet changed, our patience grew, and I fell in love with how good it felt to be with my family and know they were thriving.

Homesteading has brought us many benefits. Our kids have chores that make them feel like integral parts of the homestead. Their work is meaningful, and it helps me learn to trust them more. Do they always enjoy it? No. But the skills and lessons they gain are invaluable.

During the lockdown, our oldest son was sent home to learn virtually. When he later took progress tests, he passed with outstanding scores. That experience showed us we could homeschool—a path we’d been considering because of bullying, frequent illness, and wanting more time with him. Today, we homeschool all three of our kids, and we have no intention of going back.

The quality time I get with my children is the whole reason I became a stay-at-home dad. Even while in school myself, I’m able to teach them life skills and build meaningful relationships. It’s a complete 180 from where I was during my military years.

Taking on homesteading as a family has brought us closer through both ups and downs. It feels good to be building this life together, side by side.