There was an man with a normal life and normal responsibilities. Wife, kids, mortgage. He had a soul-killing job that paid the bills. He hated his job, but he got up every day and did it, with no complaints.

When he could find the time, in the evenings and on the weekends, he worked on building a beautiful big sailboat. Slowly, painstakingly, as the years went by and he became middle-aged, the boat got more and more beautiful. He poured his heart and soul into every inch, making sure it was just right.

When things got tough at work, or with the kids, or with someone’s health, he’d tell his wife, “Honey, one day I’m going to retire, and you and I will finally take off in this beautiful boat, and see the world! Just you wait!”

Finally, the big day arrived. He turned 65, retired from his job, and came home excited. The boat was done, perfect and ready, his retirement finances were all in place. At long last, after 40 years, it was time to begin his real life. He said to his wife, “Okay, it’s time. Let’s start finalizing our plans. Should we sell the house and invest the money, or keep it and rent it out?”

His wife said “Honey, we need to talk. I never thought you were serious about this crazy idea. This was your dream, it kept you going all these years, but it was never my dream. I never wanted to see the world on a sailboat. This is my home, and I like it. I’m staying here. You’ll have to choose.”

So he gave up his dream, sold the beautiful sailboat, and stayed home with his wife. He took up golf and the Travel Channel on TV, and visited with the kids and grandkids.

After a while, he stopped thinking about it so much.