So, here was the panic moment for me: how do I, as an immature, reckless, disoriented, adrift, chaotic, mangy, and wholly uncollected guy try and wrap my head around the idea of being (partially) responsible for raising this new little life so that they grow up to be all of the things that I didn't see in myself? Well, it depends on all manner of factors, none of which are impossible if taken on one at a time. I repeat, NONE OF THESE ARE IMPOSSIBLE, if taken gradually, confidently, and knowing that you will screw up big time, and that that's okay. What you see as a screw up, they may see as an adventure.
"Innovation is the mother of invention." Louden Wainwright once said, "desperation is that father of invention." I disagree with both. Perspective, adaptability, and curiosity are what lead to great innovations - as such, I have to change my perspective, my ability to adapt, and the things I put my time and energy into in order to be a creatively and fun-astic father.
I'm not immature, I enjoy playing.
I'm not reckless, I'm impulsive.
I'm not disoriented, I'm interested in too many things.
I'm not adrift, I just haven't found a place where I fit yet. (Heavy emphasis on the YET)
I'm not mangy, I'm particular about ... okay, I'm a little mangy.
What else?
I'm creative.
I'm loving.
I'm hopeful.
I'm clever.
I enjoy seeing the world through different lens.
These are all things that could make me a wonderful father, but the most important thing is that I love my kids and want them to know that. Everything else is becomes a detail which revolves around this main point. So, this is my attempt to pass along whatever things I find fun, cautionary, exciting, or pleasantly unexpected about being a dad. Let's see where this weirdness takes us - because the journey is so much more fun than any destination.
No comments:
Post a Comment