33 days ago the history of me changed forever. On June 9th, 2012 at 2:29pm, I became Ezekiel Aaron Steffen’s dad. It was the most surreal experience of my life. In the course of about 8 hours my life was altered forever. I have a son. I am his father. My mom is a grandma. Life as I knew it will never be the same. I am responsible for another human life, and while that’s a mortifying thought, it’s also one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.
He’s probably the coolest kid I’ve ever met. He has his mom’s nose, and my mouth, and he sleeps with his mouth wide open. Speaking of sleeping, that’s pretty much all he does so far – which is cool with me. He has more hair than I do, and probably will for the rest of our lives. All in all, I think he’s pretty much perfect.
I thought I knew what love was, and then one night soon after we had brought him home, he grabbed my finger and held it for over an hour. There I was, lying in bed next to my wife holding the hand of my son. It was like he was saying, “ I love you” the only way he knew how. Needless to say, I was a wreck. I never wanted him to let go.
I know now that my life will never be the same. I have experienced joy in ways that I never knew possible, and I am filled with a love I never knew possible. And so I’d like to take an opportunity to say some things to Ezekiel in this forum if I could.
“Zeke, I love you – in ways I never knew possible. I’m so glad that I get to be your dad. I promise to do everything I can to fill your life with love and happiness. When things are good, I will celebrate with you. When things go wrong, I will be here to help you pick up the pieces. I want you to know that while I know I will make mistakes, everything I do is because I love you, and want what is best for you. You are such a blessing to your mom and I – and it is our privilege to help raise you. Welcome to the world son, we’re so blessed you’re here.”
