3/8/21

Dear Atlas,

It’s me, your Dad.

I often wonder what sights, sounds, and experiences you will encounter during your life. Knowing your Mom and me, I imagine you’ll have a pretty vibrant life experience.

I’m still getting used to the idea of you being here soon. The part of me that is excited for your arrival doesn’t seem to be firmly cemented in place because there are moments when your arrival feels far from my mind.

The thought of you coming brings me a lot of joy, Atlas. Joy, if we’re able to get it right together as your parents—and as individuals.

It didn’t take a lot of planning to create you, Son. One thing led to another, and the next thing we both knew, we were looking at a positive pregnancy test. That was the startling thing: it came so easily.

The real planning and work come as we think about what it takes to raise a family. I think the word raise is important here, because there’s a level of consciousness-raising that occurs in a relationship, the one that leads to a family.

That’s the part that isn’t fun: when you see the parts of yourself that need to change, evolve, adapt, or be eliminated.

I’m fighting that right now, Atlas. I won’t make any excuses about it; I’m feeling resistance to making changes (even the necessary ones) and discovering what’s around the corner.

You’re worth it, Atlas. We all are.

Love,

Dad