The birth of your child is arguably one of the most memorable events of your life.
Before you’ve had children of your own, it’s difficult to imagine exactly what it feels like to become a parent. You can guess, but you will fall short. To produce a child, to be involved in the biological process is something too exquisite to contemplate. There is no greater miracle in the universe.
My parents were married for 60 years. For as long as I can remember growing up, my Dad idolised my Mom and in turn, she worshiped him. I do not have a single memory of them arguing, raising their voices in anger, or disrespecting each other in the slightest. Their love for each other was visible for anyone and everyone to see.
I had a front-row seat to a beautiful love story.
As a young man, I never considered anything different would happen in my life. I had dreams of one day marrying the love of my life, raising a family and growing old together. That is pretty much how it went for my folks. In our house, marriage is a sacred vow. Divorce was never discussed.
My marriage was bliss when we moved into a brand-new two-bedroom apartment in a lovely complex. My Son and Daughter were toddlers and we soon made friends with other young families in the area. Over time as parents would move in or out of the area, seeing a new kid’s face in the group was common.
When a new kid came around to our house to play, I’d ask them about themselves and their family. I recall vividly how I reacted when a child told me their parents are divorced and they are living with the one parent. I instantly considered the child to be damaged goods. Without meeting the parents, without any further proof, my mind was made up about the potential outcome of a child from a broken home.
Seven years later, I was divorced. My children now from a ‘broken home.’
Six months after my divorce, I met my snap-on Daughter. She was the same age as my Son. She took my daughter under her wing and the three of them were soon best friends. Her Mother had bravely made an escape from an abusive marriage when she was still only a toddler. Together they faced and overcame the most daunting challenges without any support whatsoever.
The bond with my snap-on Daughter forged within weeks. I quickly learned that what I always believed to be true about children from divorced homes couldn’t be further from the truth. I was confronted with my shallowness for how I labelled people.
I had it all wrong.
Not broken. Courageous. Not scared. Brave. And, not tough. Delicate. Above all, she is worthy. I have never met someone so consistently happy. She is balanced and down-to-earth with a playfulness that never ends. She carries no prejudice, only love for everyone.
My deep love for her is unquestionably paternal. She and her partner were blessed with a baby boy of their own almost two years ago. As my family grows, I am again struck by how unduly blessed I am.
More beautiful people.
Have an awesome weekend, stay home, stay safe! 😄
As always, thanks for reading 🙏
Originally published at https://www.leapfirst.co.za on July 11, 2020.
