My top ten list

There is nothing quite like hearing the magical life-changing phrase, “Honey, I’m pregnant.”

There are many reasons why we become fathers. For some, it comes as a big surprise and for others; it is welcome news after months or years of trying for a baby. My reasons for having children have been clear in the past, however there is no manual for raising a child and in the future, I will forever be learning to adapt to my role as a dad.

Here are the 10 reasons why I love being a father – in no particular order of importance:

1. A Namesake. The Burgos bloodline is very important to me. From a very young age, I was determined to take it upon myself to carry on our family name. I am honoured to have been born with a unique and storied name. I believe one of our country’s heroes from the past, Father Burgos, was a distant relative. I’ve been told that his willingness to help others is where us Burgos’ get our need to extend an open arm to those who need it most.
2. Pictures. I love taking photographs. I’ve spent a small fortune on photography equipment. How fun would it be to spend my free time taking pictures of flowers or distant sunsets? Not as much fun as taking pictures of the kids on vacation on a ride in an amusement park or taking their first steps. Pictures are our connection to the past. If a picture tells a thousand words, then I’ve got an encyclopedia’s worth of text for the future. I hope they take the time one day in the future to look back and appreciate these cherished keepsakes.
3. Blackmail. Since we’re on the topic of pictures, I’ve taken some hilarious shots of my boys for the purpose of showing them off in a slideshow at their wedding. Why waste my time on a speech when I can show embarrassing pictures of my boys when they were four years old wearing a princess dress? I believe that it is a parent’s job to make sure we keep them level headed and to ensure they keep their sense of humour. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
4. Taxes. I save on taxes and receive tax incentives. Enough said.
5. There is never a dull moment. Being married with children, for me has been a barrage of extracurricular activities with no sign of slowing down any time soon. My boys have taken up hip hop and breakdance, basketball, art and science club, martial arts, flag football and soccer. I’ve never been one to sit idle for very long. My wife Lizabeth and I get restless when we sit all day, which is a trait that we have passed onto the boys. Sort of like how Mentos and Diet Coke doesn’t mix well, too much energy is not good to keep bottled up.
6. Middle-of-the-Night Diaper Challenge. If there were ever such a thing, I would win hands down. Never had I thought that I could change a diaper half asleep in the middle of the night, in the dark, in 30 seconds or less. Yes, it’s been done and yes, I would take home the gold silver and bronze medals.
7. Minivan. It’s the coolest vehicle to drive. It’s a wonder why single men don’t drive these automobiles more often. (Note the sarcasm.)
8. Retirement plan. Forget about RRSP’s or pensions, it is the duty of your child to take care of you when you get older. This means free food and lodging. If it is an issue, break out more of the blackmail pictures. This should buy you more time.
9. Helping Hands. I’d like to use the example of cutting grass or cleaning the house. For some homeowners, they pay people to do this. However if you ask your child to do it, that is completely fair game. This is not to be confused with child labour, because that is illegal and very bad.
10. Hugs and kisses. This is hands down the most significant act of affection a child can give a parent that will cripple even the strongest and burliest of fathers. We’ve all had bad days at work, but all it takes when you walk through your front door is a smile, hug and kiss from your kids to melt all the stress away.

Having a child through ways of natural birth, adoption or foster parenting is one of the most profound times in a person’s life, next to getting a drivers license – for me anyways.

Dale manages the communications department for a Winnipeg school division and for obvious reasons would like to add that his marriage to Lizabeth was his most profound life experience.

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