Choices. We all have to make them. As an expectant father, I am already making a number of choices when it comes to the impending birth of our son.
Decisions like whether or not to buy a new car after having only recently established our carless hustle (a little more than a year ago), whether or not to invest in a nanny or look into a more generalized childcare program, whether or not to paint his room one color or another — there are so many choices to make, but none of them weigh as heavily as the possibility of what many refer to as sacrifice.
Throughout the pregnancy we have made choices that will impact the life we lead as well as the life we provide for our son when he touches down next Spring. None of them, however, have felt like a sacrifice. Together we made the willing choice to become parents and bring a child into this world.
In that regard we are no different than a host of parents that live and breath today and those who came before us. Still, in the short time we have been expecting, I suspect that there are those who believe (and have suggested) that there is some inherent sacrifice I must make. Something to give up. Something to lose.
As an example, for the past two or three years our second bedroom has been a haven for my passion surrounding comic books. Over time I have consumed quite a bit — rare prints, limited edition figures and other collectables. In fact it has been referred to as the comics room by family and friends alike.
When said family and friends discovered that we were having a baby and that I had made a decision to clear the comics room of any evidence of having previously existed — let me be blunt and say some of them lost their minds. (Shown above, one of my semi-full comics shelves, relocated to the livingroom).
From all sides I was being questioned about the fact that I was giving up or losing the comics room. Some even went so far as to suggest this is how it begins. In their minds, by clearing the room and ensuring our son had a place that he could grow into and call his own, I was making the ultimate sacrifice.
Granted, the comics room was unique (i.e. unrivaled by even the most committed of comics fanboys) — the choice to pave the way for my son to have his own place in our home was a proud one for me to make and I find myself elated.
The question remains, if you choose to bring a child into this world — is there an inherent sacrifice as well? For me personally, the answer is no, there is not. There are, however, choices to make — What are the ways we can show our son love? How will we raise him to learn and understand solid values? Throughout his life, during the many times he may slip and fall, what will be the best way to pick him up?
I believe it is impossible to consider any decision regarding our son a sacrifice. There are only choices and I have made mine. Marinate.
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Tags: choices, parenting, sacrifice
