I really thought long and hard about whether or not to write this entry. Ever since I can remember, I've always had one desire above all else; to have a family, to be a father. Growing up, I couldn't have had two more contrasting parents. Life, it turns out, is not without a sense of irony. I'm eternally grateful to both of them for the example they set. Don't get me wrong; neither of them was perfect. My gratitude lies in having been able to observe both their triumphs as well as their failures, taking it all on-board, and not having to learn life's lessons for myself the hard way. I found myself thinking a little while ago: What would I have thought on the day my child was born? Many of my friends and acquaintances have young children. I've seen a myriad of reactions to new arrivals, both in terms of how they felt as individuals as well as how they felt about this new little life. So, I write this from a position of absolute inexperience, perhaps even a bit of romanticism… but I'm putting out there anyway – for myself as much as anyone.
To my beautiful baby boy,
Today you were born. Today I learnt what it was to love. The moment I saw you I knew you were mine. The moment I saw you I knew God was smiling down from heaven. So frail, so delicate, so perfect. I cannot imagine a time in my life when my life wasn't about me… until now. Years from now, you'll be a man. Years from now, you may have a family of your own. Protecting you, providing for you, guiding you; I hope that in this life I can give you everything you need to know that you were loved. You are my wish come true. I hope, when you read this some day, that you'll know that your old dad cherished you with every fibre of his being. I hope that you'll know that I did the best I could for you. For better or for worse, we're in this adventure together, you and I. Right now, in this moment, I cannot imagine another guy being more proud, more humbled or feeling more joy than I do. I thank God for you and pray that He may always watch over you when I can't.
Loving you, always and forever –
Dad
