I recall several years ago when Charles Pogue decided his time was better spent at home with his family than on the rodeo trail.

I questioned how a 15-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo could do that, still one of the top headers in the business. Of course, I’d never packed up a rig for a two- to three-month run of rodeos away from home.

I’ve learned more about that over the years, though I don’t ever expect to travel as hard as the contestants do. During my two-week stretch from my wife and daughters, homesickness was my biggest foe in handling my duties. But when I developed this business, I knew there would be miles and significant time away from home and those I love most.

Fortunately, I’m blessed with three girls who are my biggest supporters. That helps take away some of the sting of missing them; more importantly, it helps me appreciate them when I am home.