I hear incessant complaining about children from numerous sources. Kids are expensive, you will be sleepless when they are young, they will grow up to hate you anyway, and, of course, they complain a lot.
Yeesh. I wonder where they got the complaining habit from.
Parenthood seemed like an essential part of the human experience to me before I was a father. Now that I am one, I can confirm that it is.
To be sure, I was anxious about it. Babies cry. Diapers cost money. Being tired sucks.
But I have seen my wife in excruciating, torturous pain in the herculean effort to make human life continue.
I have seen my daughter take her first gasping breaths, held her hand when she was all of thirty seconds old and entirely helpless, and wondered at how very fragile this new life is.
I have seen my daughter’s smile when she sees my face again after a long day at work, and I’ve known that the computer not doing what I told it to today is not such a big deal after all.
And I appreciate life differently now. I appreciate my own value as a human in a way that I couldn’t have previously.
These things remind me why I do what I do. I work to provide for my family, to have food and shelter and running water and video games and smartphones and cars and candy-filled Christmas stockings. I exercise and read and attempt to better myself so my body continues to function properly, so I can do this for many years to come. The great struggle to acquire a high-paying skill, land a high-paying job, stay healthy, love your loved ones, get enough sleep, maintain the house, pay the bills, all of it is for something. This work is for our future health and happiness, and for the potential in another, younger life.
Becoming a father ascribes meaning to life, pricey diapers and sleepless nights be damned. Yes, I would recommend it.
Post number 76.