The Story of Alex and Copper
Alex purchased Copper on a whim when Toby was born, a golden bundle of fur with a wagging tail and big, curious eyes. He envisioned the puppy as a companion for his son—and, though he didn’t admit it aloud, for himself. Growing up with a dog, Alex had fond memories, especially during the hard years when his dad was too busy with work to give him any attention. Now with Copper, it was the start of building a lifelong bond within their family. It was a fresh start.
In those early years, Copper quickly became a part of their family routine. Morning walks were long and unhurried, punctuated by Alex’s ruminations, reflections, prayers, and the occasional stop to sketch a flower in his pocket sketch pad or snap a sunrise photo. Life felt full and meaningful then, and each day was a mixture of love, work, and play, with Copper right alongside.
The Shift: When Family Priorities Change
However, as Toby grew older and started school, Alex’s priorities slowly shifted. Work consumed more of his time. The company had expanded, and with it came promotions, travel, and endless meetings. He convinced himself that the long hours and late nights were for his family’s future. Once he finally “made it,” he would slow down, spend more time with his family, and make up for lost time.
Morning walks with Copper became shorter, rushed endeavours with Alex’s phone glued to his hand and his eyes missing the simple beauty he once appreciated. Conversations with Copper faded into the background, replaced by podcasts and audiobooks on productivity, personal development, and leadership. Copper, ever observant, noticed the growing distance—not just between Alex and him but also between Alex and the whole family.
A Wake-Up Call
One evening, after a particularly long work trip, Alex returned home to find Toby’s face lit up with excitement.
“Dad! You’re back!” Toby launched himself into Alex’s arms. Copper barked and wagged his tail, circling them joyfully and excitedly. Alex, still tired from his flight, gave a brief hug before setting Toby down.
“Hey, buddy. Missed you,” Alex said, ruffling his son’s hair.
Toby’s eyes landed on a shiny red model car on the counter. “Is that for me?” he asked, his voice full of hope.
Alex hesitated, glancing at the car. “Ah… well, no. That’s a gift from a client. I’m keeping it for my office. It’s my dream car!”
Toby’s smile faltered. “Oh. That’s okay. It’s pretty cool… I guess.” He turned and trudged to his room, his shoulders slumping. Copper followed, looking back at Alex with what almost seemed like reproach in his eyes.
Later that evening, his wife, Alexis, confronted him. “Do you realize how much that hurt him? He was so excited to see you, and you didn’t bring him anything—not even your attention.”
Alex’s defences immediately went up. “I just got back from a two-week trip. I’m exhausted, Alexis! It was a grind! Can I get a moment to breathe?”
“Breathe all you want,” she shot back. “But don’t forget the people who’ve been holding their breath, waiting for you to come home.”
A Walk to Reflect
Frustrated and fed-up, Alex grabbed Copper’s leash. “Come on, boy. Let’s go for a walk.”
Copper trotted ahead, his leash taut as he led Alex down unfamiliar streets. Alex didn’t even notice where he was being led. His thoughts were all over the place, bouncing back and forth between guilt, anger, justification, and confusion. When had things gotten so off track? He used to be present, creative, and engaged. Now, he was tired, overworked, and disconnected from his family.
“What do you think, Copper?” he muttered. Copper’s ears twitched, and he glanced back as if encouraging Alex to keep talking… talking like he used to.
“I’m failing, aren’t I? At everything that matters.” Alex’s voice cracked. “I’m busy all the time, but for what? More money? Stress? Stuff that doesn’t matter to impress people I don’t even care about?”
Copper pulled on the leash, leading Alex to a cemetery they’d never visited. The air was still, and the setting sun painted the autumn leaves in gold, orange, and crimson red hues. Alex noticed a man sitting by a gravesite with a dog beside him. The man’s shoulders were hunched, and his hands trembled as he clutched a folded paper.
A Stranger’s Wisdom on Family
Copper tugged harder, pulling Alex closer. The man didn’t look up at Alex, but his dog greeted Copper with a sniff and a wag. Alex hesitated, unsure if he should intrude. But the man’s voice broke the silence.
“He was a good man, you know,” the man said, his gaze fixed on the gravestone. “My father. A hard worker. A protector. Provided for us, you know. But…” His voice faltered. “He was never really there. Always busy. Always somewhere else… more important, I guess. I looked up to him, admired him, but also resented him.”
Alex sat beside the man and his dog but at a respectful distance. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he offered quietly, not knowing what else to say.
The man turned to him, his eyes red, obviously from a long day of crying. “Do you have kids?”
Alex nodded. “A son. Toby.”
The man’s lips twisted into a sad smile. “Then let me tell you something. Don’t let work steal them from you. Don’t leave things unsaid. I’ve been sitting here all day, wishing I could tell my dad I loved him and understand why he worked so hard and that I missed him when he was gone. But it’s too late now. There are so many things left unsaid… so many disappointments… so many regrets.”
Alex swallowed hard, his mind flashing to Toby’s disappointed face and the words Alexis had said to him before he stormed off.
“Thank you,” Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper. “For sharing that.”
The man nodded and stood, folding the paper he’d been holding and placing it on the gravestone. “It’s never too late, you know… until it is.” He left with his dog, leaving Alex and Copper alone in the fading light of the sunset. It would soon be dark. “I’ve let them down, Copper,” Alex admitted as they started walking home. “Toby, Alexis… I’ve been chasing all the wrong things.”
A New Beginning
Copper nudged Alex’s hand with his nose. Alex closed his eyes and whispered a prayer. “God, help me make this right. Show me how to be the dad and husband they need.”
Alex’s heart felt lighter as they turned the corner to their street. Tomorrow would be different. Tomorrow, he would start again, and he would put family first.
Reflections & Next Steps
I hope you enjoyed this story, which reminds us of the importance of slowing down and prioritizing what truly matters, particularly our family. For more inspiration on living an unhurried, intentional life, check out my recent posts:
Discovering Patience and Purpose in an Unhurried Life
A Family Sabbath: Embracing Rest in a Busy World