For Raz
Twenty years ago, I had a difficult choice to make.
You had just been born moments before. You were beautiful and tiny. But the doctor said you were, maybe, having some trouble breathing. So they prepared to take you out of the delivery room for observation. They said I could come with you, leaving your mother behind.
She was obviously exhausted, sad, and terrified by the idea that her baby may be in trouble. How could I possibly leave her alone? “Go with him” she said. And it was true, the choice was clear. You were only a tiny baby, and this was your first hour on Earth. I was your father and I needed to look after you. So, I went with you to the observation room, and watched with wonder as you took some of your first glimpses at the world around you.
As it turned out, you were just fine. The breathing issue cleared up, and you came home with us at the usual time. Before we knew it, you were growing up.
Now, it is twenty years later, and I have another difficult choice to make.
You are graduating from the Army’s basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) for the Military Police. You had many challenges along the way. You worked so hard to get where you are and we are so very proud of you. We really should be there.
But now, for different reasons, your mother is obviously exhaused. She is sad, and terrified by the idea that her body may be in trouble. How could I possibly leave her alone? “Go with him” she said.
But this time, I did not. Before, you were just a tiny baby. But now, you are grown. You are a mature, intelligent, strong and moral young man. You are a soldier and an MP. You no longer need us to look after you, altho we still will. This time we know. You are going to be just fine.