Turning 3

Today my first-born turns 3. That means I’m turning 3 too, as a dad.

Some reflections:

• I lived through what “The days are long but the years are short” truly means. It’s nothing like anything else I experienced.
• There’s no burden greater when caring for another smaller human being whom you love to bits. But there’s also no burden better.
• I never thought I could enjoy the world through the eyes of a toddler. I’ve always assumed as humans, we’re islands of consciousness even while together. But we’re only islands above the water surface. Underneath we’re all linked.
• Caring for your child and learning to be a dad is an infinite game. There’s always new rules that come up, new side quests to solve, new levels to clear. Letting expectations go that we can ever be done done, helps.
• Year 1 was a hazy, tumbling, bumbling, struggle. Year 2 was about finding our footing as a family, surviving. Is Year 3 the year where we all start thriving?

@joelfirenze recently wrote about being a new dad:

“What might be a good reason to have a child in these turbulent times? …The best argument I can find so far is that having a child in the world is an expression of optimism and hope in the future.”

I love that answer. 🙌

It’s not pinning hope on the child to bring some material benefit in the future. To even decide to have a child in itself is an expression of hope, that the future will be better.

I hope so. I pray so.