3/21/21

Dear Atlas,

It’s me, your Dad.

The clock continues to tick until your arrival. Every day seems to bring something new with it as I think about what it means to have a family.

Family comes in many shapes and sizes, Atlas. In some cases, people find it with people other than the ones they grew up with. Other times, that birth family connection remains intact—and familiar—for most of their lives.

I already know our family won’t be a traditional one, Atlas. Your Mom and I are far too much “ourselves” to give you a vanilla life, though that’s what you might want to have someday—which is fine. Ultimately, I think we will both feel like we succeeded with you when you discover what you want and go for it, even if it’s unique or different from the environment we have as a family.

I’m on a journey right now, in many ways. I’m preparing for you in my head, heart, soul, and hands. Your Mom will soon give birth to you, and I feel something is being born (and created) from inside of me as well.

What’s happening right now is that your Mom and I are finding new ways to live as we prepare for you. New ways to get along with each other, but also ways to welcome you into the home where you will be raised.

We’re each on our own journey, Atlas. You are, too! That’s the beauty I find in all of this: all three of us are growing, stretching, and experiencing new life at the same time, as a family.

We couldn’t do this without you, Atlas.

I love you,

Dad