Thirty-three years ago,  my daughter was born.

Happy birthday,  Caileigh.

It was also the day that Deb and I became parents. Being completely responsible for another human being.

The responsibility increased with Keaton’s and Tara’s birth.  But it started with Caileigh.

All three of our kids are grown up.  And our responsibility is diminished as they forge their own lives and start their own families.

But I think about my parental anniversary on their birthdays.

It’s difficult to articulate that delicious terror when you realise that a human being is completely dependent on you.

Or how you feel a connection to the universe and humanity by participating in parenthood. 

The strength of those feelings fade. Especially as they get older and life goes on. But they never completely go away.

I’m grateful for the gift of my children.  And the gift of being a parent.

It’s not for the faint of heart.

But the rewards far outweigh the drawbacks.