 |
 |
 |
 |
Let the Social Experiment Begin (12.31.04)
December 19, 2004: Here I am trying to write my column but the only thing on my mind I simply don't want to talk about. You see I'm about to join a club. It's by no means a secret club seeing as how it boasts the largest membership in the world and some argue that it started right at the beginning of time. No, my hesitance isn't out of secrecy but rather nervous anticipation. You see I've met with countless club members and everyone agrees that nothing stays the same once you join.
So here I am, cell phone at my side just waiting for my beautifull wife's call to say we're about to be new parents.
The days past the due date are easily the most nerve melting nail biters as you sit on the brink of the biggest life changer for what seems like forever. It's worse knowing how incredibly lucky we are to even come this far after trying hard enough to realize the depressingly large industry devoted to helping people have kids.
December 21, 2004 12:01am: I'm a dad. And let me just say that this club's initiation ritual makes university hazing look like a joke. After what will go down as our longest day ever we get a daughter on the first minute of the shortest day of the year. Born year of the Monkey, on Winter solstice, and sharing her birthday with Samuel L Jackson, Jane Fonda, and Joseph Stalin - it's my honour to introduce Sarah Mojo Raiser to list of kick ass girls born and raised in Squamish. I know what you're thinking, Sarah? Well we were that close to calling her Terra until we hooked it up with our last name.
On the topic of kick ass there must be serious praise bestowed on the staff of our hospital. Dr. Bohn, the receptionists, nurses, doctors, surgeons, and so forth. Each and every one of them are an asset to the health care profession and we're lucky to have such good people working here.
As for the new kid, well there are moments in your life where everything changes and you know you just can't explain it to anyone who hasn't been there. Your first bike ride in the alpine. Your first bottomless powder turns on a bluebird day. Or the first time you fall asleep on the couch with your baby on your chest.
Yes, it's undeniable my perspective has definitely changed. For one I feel older. Not in a bad way but it's a definite mortality mirror when you realize you're now on the other side of the parental equation. That said I whole heartedly assure you this space will not become a "guess-what-my-kid-did-this-week" column. On the contrary it appears that I now have yet another reason to care very deeply about what happens to this town. After all, when Sarah grows up I want her to have as much pride as her old man when she says "Fuck you, I'm from Squamish". (Editors note: I did not make that sticker!!)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |