When Did I Become a Butler-Dad?

A few months ago I joined a dad bloggers group. I have ‘met’ a number of interesting and talented guys there. One of those dads is Don Jackson.

Don who hails from St. Louis, Missouri, is the Founder & CEO of DaddyNewbie.com. He’s also the dad of a 2-year-old, and the stepdad of a 7-year-old. He writes about life, the universe and everything–from the perspective of a dad. In addition to his role as dad, he does some consulting work, and he enjoys connecting with fellow bloggers–to learn from and network with them. Come join him on his journey through this story of parenting greatness and epic fails, in the ever-changing story of fatherhood.

Here’s my fellow dad blogger, Don.

“Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also.”  –  Carl Jung

I am a college educated man. I have a few letters behind my name. I have my own business. And I am 40 years old; yet all that means nothing to my 2-year-old son, because he needs his sippy cup filled with more milk.

donAt mealtime, I ask him what would you like me to make? What would you like to drink with that? Too hot. Too cold.

Then, I run a bath for my son. Water too hot? Water too cold?

And then there is dressing. My son starts. I don’t like that shirt. Too itchy, too blue, too red. I don’t want to wear pants. I want to wear pants, but not those (they are itchy). Ok, those will work.

Like most parents, I am sure, I run from this place to that, put this off for that day’s need. I make sure he has warm meals (while mine are are quick and cold).

If I am downstairs he will want me upstairs. If I am using the restroom, he will want to be in there. When he sleeps, I work. And, when I am done and want to sleep; well, then he is awake and ready for more.

So, why do we do all of these things? How did we lose part of ourselves along the way to being a parent?

For me, it was February 4, 2011. On that afternoon, my life changed forever, as it wasn’t my life anymore. His need outweighed anything I might want or need. Once I saw that face and heard that cry, I knew my life would never be the same, and it was a change for the good.

My title throughout the day may change, from minute-to-minute, but every one of those minutes of being a dad is worth it. My pay for these long hours is dreadful, with no built-in health plan or perks. But, well, that’s not why I do it, and it is an easy decision. I have the love of a little boy, who smiles when he sees me. That is worth more than any amount money I could receive. It makes me richer then Solomon.

“Do something you love and you don’t work a day in your life.” Those words are a blessing and (on some days) also a curse. Like me, I am sure (even knowing everything we know now), you would sign on for this dream job again in a heartbeat–if you were asked, without giving it a thought.

So yeah, I am Alfred, and like him, I love my job. Isn’t that all we ever really wanted in a career?

I hear running down the hall, coming toward my office. It sounds like I’ll get one of my perks: a hug from my son combined with a request for some “yogie.”

Back to work.

7 thoughts on “When Did I Become a Butler-Dad?

  1. Too much fun! I remember the day when my name all of the sudden became Mr. T’s mom. In fact, registering him for school this year I even heard it – Oh, you must be Mr. T’s mom! That’s my name… Maybe one day I’ll get my other one back, but I’m super happy to be known as Mr. T’s mom. 🙂

    I guess the 7 y/o is much more self-sufficient? LOL.

  2. fantastic post. I think most dads go through run and gun with the kids. you make the milk, sit down,then find out it was supposed to be chocolate milk this time.

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