Fatherhood: Take One

It's been said the New Year offers the opportunity for improvement, fresh starts, change, and new beginnings.

The beginning of this year has brought about all that and so much more for my wife and I.

On Thursday, January 7th, 2010, a little miracle was delivered to us in the form of our first beautiful, healthy baby girl.

Mackenna Elaine came into this world at 9:41pm, tipping the scales at 10 lbs. even...yes, Jen gave birth to a toddler :), and 22 1/2 inches long.

And every bit of her changed our lives forever.

Before I go any further, I would be doing my wife and any other woman who's given birth in their life a grave injustice if I did not acknowledge how strong each and every one of you are for putting your bodies through hell to produce life. I've always loved and respected Jen, but that respect was elevated to an indescribable level after coaching her through Mackenna's birth. She was, for lack of a better term, an absolute ROCK STAR!

Amidst all the horror stories and dramatizations that television and movies produce about the birthing process, I honestly didn't know what to expect. But Jen handled her responsibility so strongly, keeping her focus on the ultimate prize so perfectly, she instantly became my hero.

Jen, if you're reading this, you continue to amaze me more and more every day. Mackenna is the luckiest baby in the world to have you as her mother.

Words cannot explain the feeling of being there in that moment and, despite having a degree in writing, I don't feel my credentials can properly capture the range of emotions that ran through my head when Mackenna decided to come out and play for the first time.

You know it's coming for nine solid months and you do everything to prepare yourself for what's about to transpire. I had many, many conversations with myself in an attempt to psyche myself up for the inevitable, but I don't think the monumental change and indefinable meaning behind that change really hit me until she was born.

I made peace with the fact that I'd be changing diapers and adjusting to a brand new sleep schedule.

I knew the meaning behind the term "social life" was about to be redefined as well.

But those changes are easy to cope with. It's part of becoming a responsible parent. The change that overwhelmed me the most, within a matter of seconds from the time she joined us, was the fact that there was this tiny, little human being that would be looking to me for friendship, love, lessons in life, guidance, leadership, fatherly advice, and so much more each and every day going forward.

I can tell you that no real mental pep talk can prepare you for something like that. It's just an instinct that kicks in and consumes you all at once, with no warning.

The second I looked into those glowing blue eyes for the first time, I was hooked. I knew all my efforts, all my passion for leadership and training and personal development and helping others create a lifestyle they design and enjoy, was all for her.


There is no replacing the feeling of the first time your child grabs hold of your finger with their tiny little hand. Or inadvertantly flashes you a little smile. Or the first time you hold them in your arms and calm them when they cry.

Mackenna is safely home from the hospital and the real fun has begun. Fortunately, we've been blessed with a very well-behaved baby up to this point. She sleeps when she's supposed to sleep, she eats when she's supposed to eat, and she continues to make mommy and daddy proud with every little thing she does.

How long will she stick to this schedule and let us get our sleep? There's no telling. I'm guessing not very long. But what the future holds is certainly an exciting mystery!

A personal mentor of mine, John Jackson, ends each of his morning Leadership calls with the following quote: "Do something for someone today, in the knowing they'll never be able to repay you."

I've always been a strong advocate of this quote with each and every person I've ever managed, mentored, trained, or even spoken to. Carrying out a good action and helping someone without expecting something in return is a very gratifying feeling and ultimately leads to long-term success.

And as I begin my adventure into fatherhood, I find myself doing extra 'something's' for a little special someone each and every minute.

And I wouldn't trade it for anything.


Be the Best,


Jason Cercone
Marketing Success Mentor
jason.cercone@gmail.com
412-965-8428

http://www.rewritethepossibilities.com/