Running a small business and having a life is tough.  A lot of people talk about creating balance and if you buy into that – good for you.  But in reality – balance in business is a myth.  If you are going to be successful, it takes a 150 percent commitment, self sacrifice and the best you’ve got to give. 

A month ago, my dad suffered his second heart attack leaving him too weak to live on his own.  So now, he’s living with my husband and me and can’t be left by himself.  I love having him here, but talk about an abrupt change in lifestyle.  I’m cooking three meals a day, (he doesn't eat left-overs) scheduling physical therapy and home health care visits and trying to run a business. 

I’m not blogging to complain, but rather to share a bit of humor to which many of you – particularly women – may be able to relate.  Last week I was on a conference call when the plumber arrived to fix the sink in my dad’s bathroom.  Less than an hour later, while I was still on the call, the plumber had finished and needed a check at the same time the home health nurse rang the door-bell.  I put the phone on mute, wrote the check, answered the door, escorted the nurse upstairs, and went back to the call – only to find out the other parties were gone.  Wonder what they thought happened to me?

As I hung-up and laid the phone back down, I laughed – so who am I today?  Caregiver?  CEO?  Actually, I’m both and nothing could be better.