I know what I am about to describe is not exclusive to fathers. Mothers feel it too. Anyone responsible for a child probably does.
It is a rainy morning. Just me and my son. And I feel this quiet weight to keep him entertained. To be a good dad. To make the time count.
A few minutes in, I stepped away. He found something on his own. He started playing. Calmly. Happily.
That is when it clicked. I am not his personal cruise director.
I do not need to manufacture moments. I do not need to perform.
I just need to be present when I am with him.
Everything else starts there.