PRESIDENT’S CORNER

2013-November

by Kyle Jensen, MHA President

“As I take baby steps in fatherhood, I have so many thoughts that rush through my mind. Will I work too much? Will I be patient? Will I express my ways correctly? Will I teach a good value system? Will I show upstanding morals? Will I do my all to show support? Will I teach discipline? Will I be the best example? Will I, will I, will I?! It’s a tough thought. It’s a tough responsibility. It is something I have dreamed
that the Lord would put in my lap at the perfect moment of my life. When He knew I was ready.

It’s here; it’s time folks. He knows I am ready. It’s time to get off the bench and get in the game. It’s time to line up with the offense, throw the ball, scramble from the problems, run up the middle and take the hits and do my very best to get my child to the goal. To challenge life with all its obstacles trying to tackle us and take us down. I will do MY ALL. My very best! Just like my higher power is doing for me. I will push to the goal and when my earthly body is done, I will be pointing my child towards what I was not able to accomplish.

They will know the mission and they will know the definition of a “Father.” The man that does everything in his power to achieve the goal of the child; accepts their dream as his own, their mission, their destiny, and creates a legacy that will live on until the end. They will know The Dad Vow.

Great news! I became a dad October 4, 2013, and I would like to thank the countless families that have extended a hand to my wife and I during this transition. We are blessed to be part of this strong community that is willing to take part in raising a child. As many of you know, I need it.

As I approached fatherhood for the first time, other men who have already blazed that trail were eager to share their experiences. Some told me it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Some spoke knowledgeably of sleep patterns and bottle-feeding. And then there are those who gave me that knowing look—a peculiar expression somewhere between smug acceptance and pity—which seemed to say “whoa, bro, you don’t know what you’re getting into.” I was subjected to all this, but in retrospect only one person hit the nail on the head. A coworker said he had been told the truth about fatherhood and he was now going to impart this profound piece of wisdom to me, like handing off a flaming torch. “It changes everything. Instantly,” he said simply.

At the time I thought, “Yes, and?” But I soon came to realize that he was right. Nothing anyone could say to me could really explain what would happen when I became a dad. It is such an extraordinary event, truly life-changing, that it is impossible to conceive in advance how it would affect me. That’s why, like a boy scout, the best thing is to be prepared. Now that didn’t mean just decorating the baby’s room and buying a ton of stuff, it meant opening my mind to the fact that life would inevitably move to a different tempo and I would have to go with it. I would also, for the first time in my existence, become truly responsible for another person, for life.

I found this transformation exciting and it seemed like the next logical step in my life. I felt I’d done my share of pubs and clubs and was ready for something more grown up. Of course, in the event, becoming a dad helps the process of growing up because I am forced to acknowledge that in the eyes of this small child, I am in charge. So, though I may still indulge my interests in community service, music, and sports, the fact remains that, as far as my son is concerned, I am not the friend. I am forever on the other side; I’m the parent.

The only thing to do is to accept it, deal with it, and embrace my new status as a father, knowing that my child wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s to the modern-day equivalent of pipes and slippers, whatever that may be, organic food and trainers?

Share your parenting experiences with me:

• Our Chat Room www.facebook.com/groups/mhneighbors
• On the back of your newsletter (drop us an email)
• Our webpage www.mistletoeheights.org/contact
• Our next members meeting (November 19th @ 7:00) If you like my style of neighborhood leader, please come to the meeting and vote me back into the position. It is important that we have a large turnout. My plan is to not be a President hog. I would like to let another resident volunteer their time to the effort, but if you feel I have done an acceptable job; come to the meeting and show your support by voting that my efforts have been instrumental in making our community better. If the turnout is low, I plan to pass the torch to our vice-president to give someone else the opportunity to try inspire you to be more than just the person next door.

Join us as we make an effort to clean up our neighborhood and improve the quality of life for all those that live here.