Time of Life

I can remember many years ago, I was in my early 30s. I was on the subway going home one Saturday afternoon after visiting some galleries on the upper east side. I was sitting across the aisle from a man who appeared to be in his late 40s, with his young son, probably about 6 years old or so, sitting on his lap. I can remember how comfortable they were with each other. An older father looking like he was really appreciating his time of life, and his time with his young son. I thought to myself, “If I am ever a father, that’s where I want to be.” I left it at that.

I went through many relationships before I married in my late 40s. Due to an extremely bad hernia some years before, I was told that I might not be able to have children. My wife, who was already in her 40s at the time, didn’t think she would be able to have children as well. After 3 years of marriage, we proved everyone wrong. We welcomed our son and only child in 2009. I can’t even tell you what life was like before.

I am now that “older” father on the subway. I’m enjoying every damn minute of it!