Hello. I'm new here.

I am a husband to one and a father of one, which has significantly changed my life the past few months. I have been a husband for going on four years, and it has been fun and challenging to learn the role of the husband my marriage. For the past nine months, I have been a father, and I would not trade anything in the world for this role. Usually, I begin by stating various general remarks about my profession. Today, however, I would like to focus on my new "profession," since this has shown me true love, sacrifice, and dedication.

I have known love before, but the exchange of actions and emotions is like nothing I have experienced before. When I first see my son after a long day at work, his face lights up with excitement. I want to drop everything and grab hold of him. As I lift him to my chest, he smiles because he knows that he is with me. We embrace. My love is in my arms.

Photo taken at Cloud Gate in Chicago

I believe there must be sacrifice in a relationship in order for it to be successful. worth it. alive. It seems odd to think that sacrifice would bring life, but it is true that, without me laying down at least some of the things that I desire, I will be limiting the love I show my son. Some things are demanded that I sacrifice them such as sleep, TV, and games. These are all things that I have no problem giving up, except for sleep. Then, there are areas of my life that I must choose to lay down. If I spend every weekend on my motorcycle, if I hang out with the guys a few times a month too many, if stay home when the family takes a trip out for the day, I believe that I have neglected my family. 

Finally, dedication must become second nature to any thought of why. It is always easier to say that something is too difficult and give up. However, true character is built with the dedication to see something through until the end. I need to set aside time to spend with my family establishing that I am the father and the husband. Family will not simply happen. I am like the musician who needs to dedicate time to improve at a skill in order to write new music. Without this time, I flounder on stage and in the studio. 

If I did not love something, why would I be dedicated to it? Why would I sacrifice something if I am not dedicated or in love with it? Why would I not set aside time for something that I know I love and have sacrificed for? I am new here, and I am learning how this works. 

Thanks.

Nelson Juarez