My experience: As husband and father
I was terrified of becoming married. My wife stuck with me through the many on-again/off-again plans for our wedding. I would bluster, leave, and then return. When it was clear that she would no longer put up with my waffling, I agreed to set a firm wedding date. My wedding day was filled with panic evident in old wedding photos. During the long Catholic ceremony she fainted and was sick for two days.
Becoming a father was phase two of my adventure of the Great Uncertainty. With no model in my life other than my brief experience with a kind and gentle grandfather I had doubts about whether I could be a good dad. But as before, my wife gently persevered and we became the parents of a girl and boy.
I mention all this to give you a perspective on all that I have to say that follows in this course. I cannot imagine not being a father. My children have been among my greatest challenges and overwhelmingly the greatest joy of my life. They have grown up to be decent and accomplished adults. After we became grandparents of two lovely grandchildren I had the opportunity to meet their Parents as Teachers Educator during a home visit. I told her that my son is a far better father than I ever was. But I was a much better father than my stepfather. I am happy with that progression.
In the next section, we will explore my perspective on becoming a dad that forms the foundation for the course.