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OPINION
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
6
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN—WEEKLY SUMMER EDITION
www.kansan.com
STINSON'S VIEW
Zach Stinson/Kansan
New dad reflects on fatherhood
Life is full of days you know you'll remember forever. Sunday was one of those days — my first Father's Day as a father.
It was full of moments that I'll never forget.
My alarm clock woke me at 6 a.m. just like any other day. It was my 6-month-old daughter, Isabella, uttering sounds that resembled her first words. They're quiet and subtle, but just loud enough to wake you up. I went into her room and I was greeted with her usual good-morning smile. The day continued to get better from there.
Even though Isabella had no idea what the holiday was about, her mother definitely started to imbed the concept into her mind. I had a present waiting for me next to the bed. It was from Isabella and Christina, her mother. I'm not sure what role Isabella had in making it, but Christina said she had put a lot of love into it.
My gift was a framed drawing of our family. They used crayons and stickers and wrote
perspective
Matt Rodriguez
mrodriguez@hansan.com
"Happy Father's Day" above the three of us.
Trying to work, going to school, finding baby sitters and taking care of the house can be frustrating. There are days when I think I can't take it anymore and I want to take Isabella to my mother's house until I get out of school. But I'm always brought back to reality with my daughter's warm smiles and innocent cries.
Fifteen months ago when I found out my girlfriend was pregnant, I was terrified. I had no idea how I would manage school, work and parenthood. To my surprise, it seems to be going well. Christina helps with Isabella
and so do my parents. We try to make it to Newton to see my parents who are more than happy to have a baby for the evening.
Responsibility is part of parenthood. And even though I'm still new to it, I know that without responsible role models in her life, my daughter would have to work harder than those children who have people to look up to. My father is my role model; the only thing I try to tell myself is that one day I want Isabella to admire me just as much as I admire my father.
For any student who is faced with the same situation, I recommend they consider the joys of parenthood more than its pitfalls. The days can be long, the nights can be tough and the headaches are intense, but nothing outweighs knowing one day your children might someday want to grow up to be just like you.
Rodriguez is a Newton senior in journalism. He is also the campus editor of The University Daily Kansan.
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