Ghost Parents

The Grand Rapids Times
1-20-2012

I was going to write about politics this week but someone spoke to me about a topic that is very close to my heart; so I had to put politics on hold.

If you’re a reader that has kids, then you should be able to relate to this article pretty well.

If you’re a reader that is expecting children, then view this article as a gift from me because soon you will also experience the things I bring up in this article.

Some days I dread changing my son’s diapers and I get headaches from his high pitch cries.

Some days when I can’t figure out why he is crying, I get irritated and impatient.

Sometimes, I shake my head at the checklist that I am now forced to live by: bottle check, diapers check, burp cloth check, wipes check, bumbo check.

Sometimes it seems like the list never ends.

However, no matter how tired I get or how impatient I am at times, I would not trade any of this for the world.

My son deserves this and more.

I’m not here to place judgment on anyone.

I am writing this to inform parents that, when they are absent, they’re missing out on so much.

I don’t see how some of us can make babies all over and not spend time with any of them.

I don’t see how some of us have to be forced by the state to at least invest financially in our children.

To my brothers out there: how could you live knowing that another man is enjoying the gift of your child; the gift that you created?

To my sisters, I ask you the same question. Are jail and prison more important?

Is that next high you’re on your way to get from your supplier more important?

Is sleeping with everyone you meet more important?

Why would a person want to throw away raising a generation of doctors, lawyers, musicians, teachers, preachers, and future law enforcement?

What is wrong with us?

I don’t care how many times I have to get up in the middle of the night with my son I will never give away such a precious gift.

Last week I got to hear my son laugh for the very first time.

I feel sorry for all of the parents out there who missed that opportunity.

I feel sorry for the ones who will miss their Childs first word, walk, first day at school.

I feel so sorry for many of us.

One for the week: People, let’s make one New Year’s resolution — to stand up and accept our responsibilities.