myopic pilgrim

In short, there isn’t one, at least none that I sensed even though I was there for the birth of my first son. Despite being told it would be a mystical experience, I didn’t receive any spiritual revelations. Full disclosure: I didn’t cut the umbilical cord. Perhaps that’s where the magic is. Read the rest of this entry »

What I Expected at My First Son’s Birth

When my wife was pregnant with our first son, I would talk to fathers about what to expect, mainly during labor and delivery. Many of them, like my Uncle Brian, described seeing your child born as a mind-blowing experience. I remember him saying “dude” a lot.

Fathers told me I’d see this miracle taking place and would receive this clarity of thought. My place in the universe will be solidified when I’m asked to cut the umbilical cord—and I must cut the umbilical cord! It will all be a mystical experience and I’d better pay attention. As the due date approached (and passed), I prepared myself. I expected fireworks and angelic choirs. I was ready to receive some sort of epiphany about, dude, my life and the world. Read the rest of this entry »