It's me

Many years ago, when my wife and I didn’t want to be parents (for private reasons), a senior colleague at my workplace spoke to me with great interest about how his life had changed after becoming a father. He described, with deep fondness, how parenting was such a joyful experience. Today, that boss is no more — may his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort — but I can still feel the joy in his words. I understood then that parenting can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Yet, at that time, we didn’t want to be parents and didn’t let his story influence our decision. A few years later, when my spouse and I felt an intense desire to have a child, we went ahead. We were mentally prepared for both the responsibilities and the challenges that come with the joy. Today, as a mindful parent to my 2-year-old, I find parenting challenging at times — but never frustrating or regretful. Not one bit. At the same time, I know for certain that my attitude toward my child would not have been this positive had we chosen parenthood just because someone else found it rewarding and satisfying.