Friday, June 29, 2012

#RealFatherhoodStories: Steve Marsh of Father In Training

A Moment 

By: Steve Marsh of Father In Training


There is a moment in everyone’s life that stays with them forever. A moment that encapsulates every raw emotion, and not only makes you question, but also realize why you were put here on this earth. For me that day, that moment, was when my son was born. 

As the midwife held him aloft, I was in awe and wonderment of what had just happened. It truly was the definitive moment in my life, and I knew right then I was the happiest man alive. Cutting the cord of this tiny baby that was mine to look after forever more, my hand was calm but inside I was shaking like a leaf with sheer excitement and in some respects, trepidation. 

The elation quickly turned to panic and fear as he was whisked to a scary looking machine and given some oxygen. Then relief as I was told it was just to clear his lungs and that he was fine. As I held him in my arms not 5 minutes old, he was looking back at me. It was a wonder I didn't burst into tears. I’m not one for open emotion but tears did follow as I started to tell family that I was a dad - me a dad - it still hadn't really sunk in yet. 


Telling my mum about my beautiful little boy was the definitive moment. After that conversation it began to dawn on me what was happening, the responsibility that I now had and how incredibly happy and lucky I was to have it. It was that day that also made me realize a lot about what kind of father I wanted to be. 


You can always surmise before the arrival about the things you would like to do with your child, but until he or she actually arrives, I don’t think you truly know. That moment I knew I had this smallest of human beings to love, look after, and bring up in the best possible way. My whole perception of the type of father I wanted to be changed that day. 


You see my own father only ever gave a damn when it was sport related. His ambition for me was to play football for Manchester United. That was what drove him as a father - pushing me and living his own life through my sporting achievements, but never paying much attention to what was really important to me. I myself joked that if I had a son he would be a great sportsman. Why wouldn’t he? He has my genes after all. That perception very quickly changed. 


I now believe my role as a father is to give our little man every opportunity to reach his full potential. To encourage him to do his very best in everything that he does because that is all we will ever ask of him. Hopefully, he can look back when he is my age and be happy with what he has accomplished, and, I hope, be thankful of the love and support his mum and I gave him.


Steve Marsh is a father to one and a husband to be. That little boy and his mum mean everything to him. He blogs at Father In Training in order to capture every single minute of being a dad and every single minute of the life of his son.

If you would like to submit your "Real Fatherhood Story" to TheRealMattDaddy.com, please read the requirements, and email us your submission.

10 comments:

  1. I don't know if I've had "The moment." I turned to auto-pilot the second my boy was born, and I've been there since then...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I finally got the moment a week or two afterwards, driving to work and the epicness of it all took me over by surprise, was bubbling like a girl lol ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. As a father, I want my son to be or do whatever makes him happy. I am happiest when I know my 3-year-old son is content in just being himself. He can watch me do things and learn as much as he wants but I will allow him to be who he wants to be because I want him to grow-up to be a good man.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for your comment. Would you consider writing something for the series?

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is very easy to get caught up in it all without taking the time to enjoy the small moments. I am guilty of this as well. That's why I want to share these stories with you, so hopefully, it will encourage us all to slow down and savor the sweet moments.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes, I would be more that happy to write about fatherhood for your blog. Anything that can help promote fatherhood in a positive light is a good thing. As a stay-ay-home dad I know that I want the best for my son and that often means i need to examine myself first. When I write about myself and my family I am fulfilling part of this obligation and it gives me new perspectives.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome, that's exactly what I am trying to accomplish with this series. Whenever you have time. It is an ongoing series, so whenever you can work it into your schedule. I appreciate the effort, sir!

    ReplyDelete
  8. http://goo.gl/7NJ40

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely post Steve, you've put something into words which I found hard to do without blubbering and wailing. It's heartening to read a post that transcends a generation of male stereotypes into plain feelings. Perhaps if my father had been as open with me I wouldn't have made the amount of fuck ups I have. Keep writing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the feedback for Steve's awesome post. Would you want to share a story? You are more than welcome to do so.

    ReplyDelete

ShareThis

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...