Never the same again

A couple of months ago, I wrote about an experience seeing a new father give his child his first bath. If you haven't read it and want to, here's the link. Well, a couple days ago, that was me giving my son his first bath.

To be honest, I didn't feel any different while giving him his bath, but in reality, I am a very different person now, and I'll never be the same again. It's hard for me to put into words what has changed - maybe in another couple of weeks it will be easier to explain - but I think it can be summed up in that I now bear the burden of an incredibly great responsibility.

I am responsible for the protection, provision, care, and development of another human being - a human being that I helped create. I have gained a new identity. I'm a Dad! My mind is still reeling from all the ramifications of it. My future now has a different direction - it's no longer just my and Rachel's future, but it's my family's future - a future I am responsible for.

I used to scoff at those who said that you're not really a family until you have kids. Logically, I argued that a married couple is a family, but now that I'm on the other side, I see it very differently. Yes, Rachel and I were a family prior to Isaac, but the word family carries a much stronger sentiment now that we have a child.

Anyway, my mind is whirling with all of the paradigm changes that are taking place. It's an exciting time to be sure! :)