September 2006,
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to become a father?
The truth is: you discover a whole new world that you had no idea existed.
Is there any way to explain it to people without children? I doubt it, but I can do my best.
My first son is 6 weeks old now and I wanted to share some of my feelings and thoughts with you. Being a father is like discovering a whole new world, a world that you had no idea existed. Before my child was born, I used to sit on the beach and stare at the surfers, the sea and the good looking girls. Last Friday I found myself staring at parents and their children, and realizing how full and wonderful their life is. I watched a father chasing his little girl back and forth on the beach and realized how happy and full his life really is. 2 months ago I wouldn’t notice any of that.
It’s true; it’s not an easy task raising a child. It’s hard from the moment the child emerges from the womb and never ends. But it introduces a new dimension to your life, a reason to get up in the morning and it’s wonderful. It’s wonderful because you catch yourself in unexplainable moments of happiness: when your child first smiles, or turns over or starts to crawl. Later when he starts talking and walking, and starts to listen to you and imitate what you do. You feel unexplainable joy and pride for these simple and amazing things that you experience.
To quote a chapter in a BBC series called The Human Body which I watched recently (warmly recommended) : Right away it is as if the child has cast a spell on his parents that are amazed and joyful from every little move he makes.
Being a father is going to be a hell of a ride…. for sure. I can’t wait to see this little human being grow and become a child and a teenager and a man. I believe it never ceases to be difficult but at the same time amazing and wonderful like nothing I have ever experienced before.
I hope to keep you up to date as my child grows
Sincerely yours,
Dad
