Getting the Last Word III: Part 6/25
Previously on “Getting the Last Word III”
As you probably know, I typically write about sports, humor, and parenting on Medium. But as I enter my third year as a writer on this platform, I have decided to do something a little different. Sounds fun, right?
I have discovered a list of more than 1,800 writing prompts on the Reedsy Web site. Hence, I plan to answer 25 of the prompts during a span of 25 separate articles. Although I already have my hands full with writing two long-term series on Medium — “Today’s Rant” and “The Parenting Tales of Teo” — you can think of this new project as a short miniseries intended to be spontaneous and impromptu. So, let us get started!
Writing Prompt No. 6: What would you title your autobiography? Why?
“Durable: The Life of Michael M-C”
I had a close friend in high school, Patrick, who often referred to me as being “durable.”
Patrick saw me as someone who battled obstacles with perseverance. Someone who tried to make virtuous choices, even if they were met with criticism. Someone who viewed mistakes as positive learning experiences instead of dwelling on them in a negative manner.
My emotional durability has served me well in my life. It has helped me to earn two college degrees. Helped me to succeed in establishing a professional writing career, which I had wanted for as long as I can remember. Most importantly, it has helped me to grow in my most challenging but also most rewarding role — as a parent to my son, Mateo.
I love Mateo. His presence in our lives the past 11 months has been the utmost blessing for my wife, Kay, and me. Being his father has been not only my greatest achievement, but also my greatest privilege, one I vow to never take for granted.
I have always wanted to be a parent, so I certainly have no regrets about becoming one. I would not trade this experience for all the fame, money, or power in the world. But make no mistake — parenthood is not rainbows and unicorns all the time. It comes with obstacles. It comes with tough decisions. It even comes with arguments, frustration, and exhaustion.
Anyone who expects parenthood to be a perfect journey is living in a world far from reality. I am the youngest child in my family, so there are many essential child-rearing skills I had never learned until Mateo’s birth. How to change a diaper. How to prepare a bottle of milk. Even how to rock a baby to sleep.
Learning these crucial skills on the fly has been difficult. I have gotten flustered. I have become angry. I have even cried on more than one occasion. Yet having the determination to master these tasks has helped me to become a better parent.
Of course, with Mateo’s growth will come new challenges for me to overcome and new skills for me to learn. For example, I will have to teach him to properly lace his shoes. Teach him the correct way to drive a vehicle. Even teach him the right way to prepare for a job interview. Not every moment will be enjoyable, so my durability might be called upon from time to time.
Nonetheless, I am optimistic about my future as a father. I am fortunate to have been raised by two excellent parents, Cal and Bee, who have taught me to be honest. To act with courage. To speak with integrity. To defend with loyalty. Most importantly, to love unconditionally. These are the same qualities I hope to instill into Mateo.
Of course, I plan to add durability to the list as well. This characteristic has come in handy in my 39 years on this Earth. I have no doubt Mateo could benefit from learning to be durable as well.
What would you title your autobiography? Why?