I want to be politically correct with my large female readership and say right off the bat that as a man I will never fully know what it feels like to give birth to another human being. But, to be devil’s advocate, let’s imagine that I DO KNOW. And I am giving birth… to myself. To a new version of Neil. The man who is not married to Sophia.
You will notice that I didn’t used the word divorced. Divorce has connotations of loss to me, as if I lost my wallet. I will not walk around with the self identity of a divorced man. I will be a man who learned important life lessons during his first marriage, a man now better able to love.
But this person is yet to be born. He is inside me, growing. And as most woman know, giving birth is a bizarre combination of pain, blood, joy, and medication. And it takes time.
But soon.
Beautifully written.
Pain, blood, joy, medication…and time. The new Neil might not burst out into the world fully formed, all grown up. He might take some time to grow to his full potential. As every mother will tell you, it’s after the child’s birth that the hard work, and sometimes pain, begins.
To quote some nice books I read from time to time, parent the new Neil with gentleness, humour and love. He’ll be learning for a long, long time.
The Honourable Husband posted Photo Friday: Curvature
The “born again” man. Beautiful.
Fabulous.
Bridget posted Special Feet
I can’t wait to read about the transformation.
slouchy posted Walk a Mile
Growing inside you, ready to burst forth… just like Alien.
Amy in Philly posted Urban Gardening & Pizza Making
Pain, blood, joy and medication. Yes. xo
Megan posted Sunflower Uno
Thinking of you, Neil. Just don’t forget to breathe…
I’ve felt that way myself, which is why when you posted that photo on Instagram I looked at it and said it was really a self-portrait.
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios posted Fragile
Here’s to new beginnings!
Just…oh. You know. You know. Love.
P.S. If you really want to give birth, however, you could try turning yourself inside out and climbing through the hole in your hoojackapiffy. That would give you a sensation in the ballpark. Take pictures.
As someone who has given birth sans epidural (after 60 hours of labor), & who is currently going through a divorce, & who has been trying to rebirth herself for years, I can say with absolute certainty, without even knowing your situation, that giving actual birth is much, MUCH easier than THIS. Hugs, Neil.
Tracy posted yesterday at grandma & grandpa’s
Good luck. I hope you don’t suffer from morning sickness. I am looking forward to meeting the baby Neil. Eh, is that how we should call the New You?
Gah. Everyone stole all the jokes I was going to say!
Anyway, at least no one will have to change your diapers. PS. I owe you a phone call.
180|360 posted The Last Straw
Wow. So beautifully put. Let the new chapter begin.
The Culture Mom posted School’s Almost Here and We’re All Leaving Home
I can tell you there will come a time when divorce won’t feel like a label. In fact, I’m so far removed from mine (ten years, a wonderful husband, and two kids removed) that it seems like another life. Someone else’s. I hope you get there sooner, rather than later.