The Journey of a Father

Episode 1

42.

Surprise pregnancy.

We had tried for a fourth a while back with no success. Then we gave up. Threw caution to the wind because it didn’t matter.

But then I started taking mushrooms. Not the psychedelic stuff, and not the simple white mushrooms on pizza, but healthy stuff. You’ve probably seen them around the market now.

I have to say, that’s all I changed.

Then one day, my wife storms into the living room and silently calls me over into the bathroom. Yep.

That’s a positive pregnancy test.

Age 42.

Now, this might not have been the first thing you thought of, but it certainly was mine - this kid is going to graduate high school when I’m 62. I’ll be an old man.

I work as a nurse, the particular field I chose was hospice and long term care - that means, most of my patients have been ages 65-95 with various lifestyles, but all including some form of debilitating conduction or dementia. From 65 - 95.

The idea that I might have early dementia when my son is graduating high school…

Oh, did I mention that 16 weeks later we noticed he was a boy

To be honest, I had kind of given up on health and wellness up until that point. I was starting to gain belly weight and thought that by the age of 60, I would have a massive pot belly. At least I could star as Santa for the annual Christmas parade.

Turns out - I didn’t want that.

I want to be healthy and whole, body, mind and soul.

And my son is going to help me get there.

I’m Jonathan and this is my Journey into Fatherhood, - the later years.