Daddyhood

Clearly, there are many aspects of parenthood that have thrown me for a loop.  One such shocker is that I have seen a number of really great guys become absolutely incredible dads.  Don't get me wrong--my girl friends are some of the best parents in the world.  And my own Dad is (in my and many others' humble opinion) hands-down the best.  But there is something about seeing my guy pals take on this new role that has me in awe.

Take, for example, my friend "Seamus."  He's an awesome lawyer and an even more awesome guy.  He has two little kids, both of whom are adorable and smart and sweet.  I adore his wife and am in no way surprised that the kids are fantastic.  What I am surprised at, though, is how being a dad has affected him to his core.  I'm not surprised he's a good dad; I am surprised at what a natural he is.  A mutual friend once commented that he and Seamus went to dinner one night and were seated next to a family.  The baby in the group was perched precariously in a booster and our friend noted that Seamus had, throughout their entire meal, one eye on the baby and was ready to spring into action should the kid tumble.  Likewise, every time I talk with Seamus about our kids I'm blown away by how wholly immersed he is in their existence.  I'm not talking about overprotective parenting or just liking the kids--I mean that he just gets being a parent.  He's truly a role model and I just shake my head in awe at the dad he has become.

My point, dear readers, is that people can surprise you.  Hell, we can surprise ourselves.  While none of us (despite his protests) would ever in a million years have contested that Seamus would have rocked the dad thing, seeing it in action is beautiful.  Likewise, a number of my guy friends have found a whole new sense of self through dad-hood.  And recognizing what these guys are capable of is so incredible, and gives me so much hope for the world, I'm grateful for what they have taught me.  So here's to the awesome dads of the world.  May you never lose faith in your abilities.  I know the rest of us won't.