Introducing Callum James

Another miracle has come into our lives.

That's a word people tend to throw around quite a bit, 'miracle'. usually it's associated with religion or an incredible bit of luck. I may have used it a bit too loosely in the past, but I can say with complete conviction that children are tangible evidence that miracles exist in our world. It doesn't matter how you approach the word or the concept, all that matters is that you understand the complete awe and amazement that I feel when I think of how Colette and I have brought life into the world by our meeting and falling love. I have heard it said that having a child is like having your heart walking around outside of your body for the rest of your life, and I think that comes pretty close. But it also means having your heart filled so absolutely and completely that you think you couldn't possibly hold another drop of love. And then having that heart double or triple until it reaches an even more mind-boggling size as another miracle grows inside the woman you love. This child, this miracle of events now promises even more awe and amazement.

 Having been a parent for just a short two years now, I nonetheless feel as if I am beginning to know a  perhaps not so very closely guarded secret: That having children is not selfless nor is it the end of ones independence or identity, but that becoming a parent is the beginning of a complete transformation of self. It is the catalyst that sparks new depths of character, opens new doors to rooms inside of your heart and soul that you may have never discovered if not for your children. It holds the mirror to the very core of who you are and makes you ask if you are worthy. I know that at times I am, and others...not so much. But the greatest boon we have is the ability to try again the next day, and the next and so on, until we (hopefully) become the parents - no, the people - we want to be. My daughter challenges me every day to be my best, and I have never felt so weak and lacking as I have in her presence when I have failed, and I have never felt so blissful and proud as when I am personifying my idea of the perfect father.

Colette and I believe that our children chose us, that they saw in us some potential for greatness. If there is such a greatness inside of us, our children are the ones that bring it forth.

James 7-4-2012