Cartoons at 3:16 A.M.

Shouts going out to the single parents, because I am more and more impressed with what you do.  I have my son a limited number of days at a time, and while I am very appreciative of every second, I've learned to treasure such godsends as sugar-free everything, attentive grandmothers, and the beauty of afternoon naps.  Solace, my adorable almost 2 year old son pictured below, is a constant ball of energy and motion from the moment he chooses to start his day until the very second his head succumbs to the pillow for a night of sleep.  And as the three-in-the-morning-wake-to-watch-cartoons session taught me earlier, when his day starts, mine does as well.  (I'm considering nominating his mother for the "inconceivable amounts of patience" award, but that is another day, another blog)




Being a parent is a very humbling experience.  You learn quickly that there is plenty that matters much more than self.  It can also be terrifying at times, knowing that another life is in your hands.  You fret because you want the very best for your child, and continuously stress about ways to get it.  But once all of this subsides, you realize how empowering the role can be.  Thoughts of legacy motivate you to be better than you've ever been.  And then, there are the perks.  Ever listen to a child breathing softly, content from just being in your arms?  Ever looked into eyes that truly believe you are the center of the world?  Ever listen to a gentle voice say "I love you", with no motivation other than the fact that it's what they feel?  Ah, the joys of parenting.

the Rare Poet