Finding Time For His Own Goals
He loved his family but they were a lot of work. His wife and two adult children always had needs. He was not certain how much they helped him, exactly, but he knew what he did for them every day, every week. He enjoyed being their resource, being depended on, but it was getting tiring. He had paintings in his head. He wanted them on canvas. For that, he needed time and quiet. How could he continue to help them while ignoring them?
He tried selectively not being available. Neither he nor his family were satisfied nor happy with the results. He apologized.
He tried robots. When his daughter needed help to pick up her child from daycare, he sent a robot. After each robot appeared, his family phoned asking if he was all right. He apologized.
He considered mind control–but if he made them less dependent, would he like that?
He lastly tried clones. He introduced them to his family, they were warm and friendly and accepted, not robots—this was dad. He would be able to pursue his painting dreams and help at the same time. This worked so well he became jealous. His clones were solely dedicated to his family, something he was unable to do.
So, although it was a lot of work, more than before, he joined his clones as they helped his family. He did not get much painting done but he and his clones had great chats he never managed with his family.