The Twelve Days of 40: Part 13/13
Previously on “The Twelve Days of 40”
You have likely heard the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” at some point in your life. “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…” Blah, blah, blah. Et cetera. So on and so forth.
To celebrate my 40th birthday scheduled to take place less than a year from now, I would like to look back at the 12 most unforgettable days of my life (plus one honorable mention). They have all made me the person I am today: an imperfect, yet perfectly happy husband, father, son, brother, and human being.
It would only make sense to start at the bottom of the list and work our way to the top. So, without further ado…
No. 1: The day my son, Mateo, was born.
The day was a lesson in love…
As I watched my wife, Kay, hold our son, Mateo, in her arms as we waited in the hospital’s recovery room, many thoughts ran through my mind…
I thought about Dec. 31, the day that Kay and I discovered we had our first baby on the way.
The day in March when we announced our pregnancy to family and friends via video on social media.
The day in July when we saw Mateo’s face for the first time through 4D ultrasound.
I thought about words of wisdom I had received from loved ones.
“Make Mateo courageous,” my father, Cal, told me. “There are times when you and Kay can’t be there to protect him. Make sure he’s assertive, savvy, and can take care of himself.”
“The way to keep Mateo out of trouble is to spend as much time with him as you can,” my father-in-law, Albert, told me. “Know him. Talk to him. Learn about his friends, his hobbies, and what he likes and dislikes.”
“You should consider the name Mateo,” my sister-in-law, Quetzali, told me. “I know you guys really like ‘Matias,’ but there’s just something special about ‘Mateo.’”
I thought about how this day had started like any other one. Eating oatmeal for breakfast. Reading the latest news on my phone. Brainstorming my next Medium article. But, only a few hours later, our doctor was standing in front of us and delivering exciting, but also surprising news.
“Congratulations, you’re having a baby today!” she said enthusiastically. “Let’s get you to the hospital. I’ll be there soon to check on you.”
I thought about the countless emotions I felt as I waited outside the delivery room.
“Please have a seat,” the nurse said. “I’ll come to get you when your wife is ready.”
I thought about how the anticipation grew within my body as each second passed. My legs trembled. A knot formed in my stomach. My breathing quickened and intensified.
I thought about how I jumped to my feet as the nurse finally opened the door…
“Michael? Come on in. Your wife is right there.”
I thought about how everything that unfolded in the delivery room was a blur. It was like standing in the eye of a storm, with everything and everyone swirling around me. Before I knew what has happening, it was over…
…And I was here, watching Kay resting in bed with Mateo in her arms.
I realized I had never understood or experienced unconditional love before this moment. My life had changed forever. Yet I felt no fear, uncertainty, or regret.
In fact, I felt pure bliss. I felt excitement. I felt hopeful.
Make no mistake — I knew parenthood would never be a perfect experience. There would be challenges. There would be mistakes. There would be arguments, tears, and hurt feelings.
But I also knew the three of us would have a happy life together as long as there was respect, trust, loyalty, optimism, and — most importantly — love. It was the key to success. Love would conquer all…
“Kay?”
“Hi … yes?” Kay replied.
“I apologize for the long wait, but your room is finally ready for you,” the nurse said.
Kay turned to look at me and smiled.
“Are you ready, babe?” she said.
I ran my hand gently along Mateo’s cheek before I replied.
“Yes, absolutely,” I said as I grinned. “I’ve never been more ready in my life.”