Everyday is a wakeup call to reality. A reality to what was once rich with love and affection for the one you wed. A love that set into motion a miracle that brings your two hearts closer together. The miracle that make you feel this is why we live. This is why we unite our passions and create a child so beautiful that life has meaning for us. And to perhaps extend our love and make it timeless. A fitting testimony to eternal love that will keep us in a world filled with happiness.
You know if only we can be so lucky. The reality is, love is wonderful when you can share it with another. What happens when you express your love in the form of a child? Then over time the mother decides that is not what she wanted. She tells you she made an error in her judgement and does not want the child or you, that her heart belongs to another and she must follow her heart. So there you are, alone. No, not alone because you now have a child to who needs you. How can a love so strong can end so bitterly you ask. And how can you hope to raise a child alone?
Looking at the tiny creature before you, you come to realize what you have created. You realize in that cherubic smile, those chubby cheeks, and those intelligent shining eyes, that this is your creation. From your own being, you have created a reflection of yourself in it’s purest form. You gently cradle your baby within your arms holding it close to your heart you whisper, “..daddy will always be here for you, I promise.”
You’ve just made one of the toughest decisions in your life, so many questions surge through your mind all at once, nearly overwhelming you with panic. Good sound advice is what you will need. Sure you have not called her in a while and she’s probably mad at you for not visited her more often. Given that she did a heck of a job raising you, mom would be the ideal person to talk to. For some reason moms just have that magic touch for comforting a baby. Not to mention a knack for holding the baby just right, unlike us who acts like the baby is going to break. Eventually you will need to get your baby immunized. The doctor is a great place to gather information and advice about illnesses and care for your child.
So you learn, through the months and years you learn from many sources on how to raise your child. You learn that when an infant cries it’s usually because it is hungry, wet, or ill. You learn which way is the right way to get those tabs to stick on a diaper instead of on your hand and not rip off the sticky tabs. You now know that you should at least be able to insert to fingers into the diaper to properly give the baby circulation. You know what makes your child laughs, its likes and dislikes. In the same token, your child knows you as well.
You’ve sacrificed a lot in your decision. You don’t get to go out with your friends as much. Your personal life is pretty much on the shelf. You find yourself watching Tele-tubbies and Barney instead of sports. Yet Sesame Street is not too bad for some reason. You find yourself reading Parenting magazines instead of the sports illustrated swimsuit edition like you used to. Sure you made sacrifices but you are also rewarded. Many people wonder what pure unconditional love is like and never experience it. While you experience it firsthand. The bond you share with your child is stronger than any you will ever imagine. How about the time you took your child out to shop at the local mall and the most gorgeous woman you have ever seen is “..ooh’ing and ahhh’ing over your child. You felt yourself bursting with pride because she is in essence displaying affection towards a part of you. And that hollow feeling you used to harbor since your wife left has somehow been filled.
You’ve definitely changed. From all the gray hairs and rough moments you went through, you will ask yourself was all this worth it? Of course you already know the answer. Because everyday you will wake up to those intelligent shining eyes, those chubby cheeks, that cherubic smile, and a soft voice that will whisper to you “…I Love you daddy!”
