Becoming a New Dad

While struggling to keep up with reading as many stories as possible and creating fresh stories of my own, I came across a recent posting by Shirley Belk titled “New Baby Love.” It was a touching article describing how a woman feels from the time she discovers she is pregnant until just after giving birth. In my comment to her, I said that I liked the story, but as it was written from a female point of view, I had a tough time relating to her emotions. Shirley responded by asking what the male point of view would be.

I’m not a touchy-feely kind of guy, well connected with my inner self and all that blah-blah-blah, so I simply left it alone and moved on. At least I tried to move on but wasn’t successful. Why not write something from the male perspective? I have three kids, ten grandkids, and two great-grandchildren, so I think I’m qualified to offer a perspective. My first child was born when I was twenty-three, which puts me in the age group of most first-time parents. Another check in the qualified column. As for being in touch with my emotions, I’ll let my readers let me know how successful I am.

I came home from work after what I thought was a tough day to a wife who was looking both beaming and pensive at the same time. Hard to do, but she had that look down pat. I asked her what was up, expecting to be told her parents were coming over, or she quit her job. She took me by the hand, sat me on the couch, and asked if I was ready to be a dad. Not funny, was my immediate response. The look on her face told me this was not a joke and I better be careful what I do and say next. I wanted to say, how is that possible? You’re supposed to be on the pill. Instead, I leaned over and gave her a kiss, followed by something like, that’s wonderful news.

Later that evening, I had some time to myself. That’s when my mind went into disaster control mode. My thought process looked something like this.

You’re going to be a dad! ….. (I’m not ready for this.)

How did this happen? ….. (You know how, what are you going to do about it? Nothing, of course.)

I’m going to be the best dad ever ….. (I hope it’s not twins.)

I’ll teach him to play baseball.

I’ll teach him to ride a bike.

I’ll teach him to fish. ….. (What if it’s a girl?)

I’ll teach him to change a tire.

I’ll make sure he does well in school.

We’ll build model airplanes together.

I hope I spend enough time with him ….. (I’m going to need a second job.)

I’m going to be a dad! ….. (I hope he’ll be proud of me.)

What if it’s a girl? ….. (I only had a younger brother. What do I know about raising a girl?)

We’re going to be parents. .… (We’re too young for this.)

She would like a girl ….. (I guess I could learn.)

This child will need me ….. (No matter what, I’ll be there.)

I know she’ll want more ….. (Maybe I’ll need three jobs.)

Boy or girl, it doesn’t really matter. I’m going to have someone call me Dad.

I bet she’ll be a great mom!

It’s been a little over fifty years since this took place, but some things remain fresh in your memory forever. In case anyone is wondering, our firstborn and our youngest were girls. My son came in the middle.