In these moments, life becomes very simple. The only ingredient required is love.
I became a father on Sept. 9, 2017, when Brooks Marcus Bone was born. My life changed in so many ways, and as I approach my first Father’s Day I feel like I am finally able to speak on what fatherhood has given me, other than a beautiful boy.
I have always been a seeker.
A person that looks to find meaning in everything, but I’m starting to ask myself why can’t we find the meaning of everything in just one thing.
Brooks has given me a certain type of perspective that has generated genuine gratitude for the greatest joys in my life.
He has opened my eyes to the luxury of time. One of my favorite quotes is, “The days are long, but the years are short,” and I didn’t realize how applicable that is to parenting until I became a parent.
Some days are longer than others, and some are longer than those, but being Brooks’ dad has helped me appreciate my time here more and more.
Whether that means fully enjoying each time I put on the FC Cincinnati jersey, or treasuring every time Brooks is in my arms.
I find myself more present than I’ve ever been.
Even more, in some strange way, he has helped me love my own father more.
By experiencing fatherhood myself, I have a newfound respect for all the sacrifice and unlimited selflessness it takes to be a father.
What an incredibly enlightening moment, to suddenly realize how much your father did for you that you aren’t aware of.
I can thank Brooks for that.
Part of the joys of being a child is the bliss that comes with it. The innocent and free spirit that exists’ in each breathe is a miracle.
I know Brooks won’t remember much from these times in his life, and I’m okay with that because one day I hope he has the same epiphany I am having right now, but still, after being alive for only 9 months he has taught me so much about finding meaning.
It doesn’t have to be everywhere. You don’t need to go searching far and wide.
Find meaning in what you love, harness it, and the rest will fall into place.
Truly, we can only wish that the depth of our time has equaled the length, and with Brooks in my arm, I will appreciate every second.
