Being a Dad
The moment my first daughter Jessica was born I came to understand the definition of unconditional love. It was as though that tiny, white hand, only a couple of seconds out of her mother’s womb, reached into my body and took a hold of my heart. From that second I experienced a whole new level of love.
Powerful as that feeling was, my life has never been the same since. From that moment on, I entered into one of the most challenging, yet miraculous and rewarding stages of my life.
What I have come to understand is that there is no real hand book for how to be the perfect parent. Of course there is great advice and guidance available, but parenthood is a crazy journey.
On the one hand I love nothing more than my four daughters, on the other, they present me with daily lessons and challenges that test my physical, mental and spiritual endurance. Initially it is sleepless nights and complete helplessness when your baby cries, even screams, because that is their only form of communication.
Then it progresses to their journey into school and the bumps and bruises that come with watching them taking their first steps away from your complete care. It is at this point and beyond that you have to learn the art of complete trust. This is hard because, while you want to protect your little angels, you also know that you have to let them fly; to live and learn the lessons of life by themselves.
Letting go is so Hard
Within the blink of an eye they are teenagers who want to explore and experience the wonders of life. Where does the time go? What happened to my little angel? Why does she want to hang out with her friends at the football or the royal show, rather than with her Dad? Who is that boy I keep hearing about and what do you mean she wants to go to the beach all day with her friends, rather than stay at home with me?
All these questions of course are just another stage of parenthood and while I know there are more to come, it doesn’t get any easier.
The flip side of these questions is the complete and utter joy of seeing my girls laugh and smile and give me a hug. The cuddles in the morning or the stories and back tickles at night. The energy and sheer potential is one of the most inspiring emotions and joys of my life. The chance to teach and mentor and guide my favourite people is a great opportunity.
Parenthood is an incredible see-saw ride.
Saying you have to learn on your feet is an understatement. Every day new challenges present themselves, while new joys that touch you deeply and rawly, make you feel so special and blessed.
Parenthood has also given me a new found respect for Mothers. It is no wonder I love my Mum so much. In a nutshell, Mothers are legends who have to work harder than anyone else in the world. I don’t know where my family would be without the Mums in our lives.
Being a Dad means everything to me and I am so thankful I am lucky enough to be a parent. Nothing is as unconditional as the love for your kids.
Justin Langer
