Father and Son

In the summer of 2013 we had an amazing life-altering experience, we became parents. Our son was born at home in Vancouver in his to-be bedroom exactly on his estimated delivery date and after only 5-hours of labour. I was in the bed lying next to Leanne while our two wonderful midwives (accompanied by our lovely doula) assisted in a smooth, and incredible delivery. I was fortunate to hold my son on my chest shortly after his mother did. I was also able to feel part of the process by being the one to cut his umbilical cord. Leanne was a birthing goddess and delivered quietly and quickly. It is a night I will never forget.

Mother and Son

More than eighty-percent of the earth’s population will go through their own experience of becoming a parent at some point in their lives and it is pretty incredible to think of how we all share this ridiculously crazy life event. Having been childfree through my twenties and most of my thirties I used to resent the comment from parents, “only a parent can understand.” However, I observed their lives of changing diapers and sleepless nights that later transitioned into catering to the needs of their kids by chauffeuring them around and sitting through their activities. From the outside looking in it appeared burdensome and not at all appealing. Now that I’m a parent, I can honestly say they were right and now I get it.

There is no love more intense than that of a parent towards their child. The sheer joy and pleasure my son brings me through his smiles, laughter and simple discovery of the world while figuring out how to do simple tasks is astounding. Every parental struggle and every menial task is paid off in spades with the profound fulfillment I get from being a dad.

I loved what I was able to see and do while exploring the world as an unencumbered traveller through my early adult life. I also couldn’t be happier that I am now a parent. I look forward to continuing to explore this beautiful planet as a family.