This New World

I remember being in some sort of heated discussion with someone, and they ask me, "Do you have kids?" I would say "no," and then they'd say, "Well then, wait till you have kids. Then you'll understand."

Although that would make me angry beyond all comprehension, to the point of stammering and cursing, I think I might...

just maybe...

realize that they were right.

Fatherhood makes a difference.

Case in point: the mothers and fathers who make up the movement against vaccines because of the fear that vaccines somehow can cause autism.

At one point before Logan was born, I was full of hate for these people. I just couldn't understand how they could be so selfish, so fearful, and completely ignorant of the science behind vaccines.

So today I showed some of my students a Frontline video about the topic. I watched it with completely new eyes, and with a sense of compassion I have never had before.

I still disagree with them. Vaccines are safe more than 99% of the time, and they have done far more good than harm... but I now have much more empathy for the parents.

Having a child simply makes every decision in life more important and meaningful. I would stop at nothing to make sure my child is safe - possibly including putting others at risk (as I believe the parents who do not vaccine their children do). I know it's not, perhaps, the right thing to do, but I'd do it for my son. I'd sacrifice the world for him. Fight against anything for him.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, and Casey and I took Logan to the park. He was amazed by the world, and I tried to look at what he was seeing. The same trees I have seen a thousand times took on a new meaning, and I was imagining what he must be looking at. He saw birds, animals, and children playing. Leaves and grass and twigs and fields. He saw the sun fading as it drifted away - and they were all wonders to him.







The world seemed that much more wonderful to me, and made me fiercely promise to protect him, to teach him, and to love him beyond anything I thought I was capable of.

Fatherhood makes a difference.