I am Voz, a proud father and husband, I am constantly striving to learn, research, discover, and share my knowledge with others. Through my experiences as a father, entrepreneur, business owner, soldier, and leader, I have gained a wealth of wisdom that I am excited to share with you. Join me on this journey as we strive to be the best version of ourselves in the "Art of Fatherhood."
Looking back at your life, do you appreciate the very specific key moments that changed your life forever? For me, the birth of my first son, Alex, was one of the most memorable moments of my life that made me the man, father, husband, and overall human being that I am today.
What goes through your mind when you are told you are going to be a father?
I was just a 17-year-old kid in high school in El Paso, Texas, when I found out that Alex's mom was pregnant. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness, optimism, and excitement. From that moment, life made absolute sense to me, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do and what I had to do with absolute clarity.
Alex's mother and I decided to notify our parents together, and of course, it was like dropping a bombshell on them. But my mother, who had always been a very strong and direct woman, was very supportive. Alex's mother and I moved in together with my parents, and I started working at a lawnmower manufacturing plant nearby, earning an outstanding $5.15 an hour.
As months went by and his mom's belly kept growing, the day kept getting closer and closer, and reality started to creep up on me. My mother made sure that I understood where I was financially and what the reality of that meant. I was working over 50 hours a week, but I realized that the amount of money I was making was not going to be enough to provide adequately for my son.
The day finally arrived
However, everything changed when April 10th came. Alex's mom was taken to the hospital as her water broke, and I got the notice. I got to the hospital as soon as I could, and my ex-mother-in-law was already there. Time seemed to pass by very slow, but that was the first time that I felt that boost of energy you can only get and understand when you are a father.
Very early in the morning of April 11th, my first-born son came into this world. I could hardly believe or grasp the dimension of what was happening. There he was, this little and fragile baby that his mom and I were responsible for, we were kids having kids and trying to raise kids.
For quite a while, people had been telling me everything that awaited me and how hard it was going to be, but I was ready. I was proud to be a father and was ready to do anything that it took to take care of my son, no matter the cost. All I wanted was for him to be proud of me, for him to be proud to call me his father. Every single day, I couldn't wait to get home and hold my son. In my mind, I already had a thousand things I wanted to teach him, all the things I wanted to do with him, and be able to give him the father he deserved.
From a father to a Soldier
But how did this experience lead me to one of the best choices of my life? It led me to join the army. Being a father at such a young age taught me discipline, responsibility, and how to be a provider. I knew I had to do something more to support my growing family, and joining the army was the best choice I could make. In the army, I learned valuable life skills and lessons that I still apply today. I learned to be resilient, to work hard, and to never give up. I learned the importance of teamwork and how to be a leader. The army taught me how to adapt to different situations and how to think critically. It gave me a sense of purpose and pride that I had never felt before. The birth of my son Alex was one of the most memorable moments of my life, and it led me to make one of the best choices of my life.
Looking back, I realize that becoming a father at a young age was a blessing in disguise. It taught me the importance of responsibility, hard work, and sacrifice. These values are what I carry with me every day, and I credit my success to the lessons I learned as a young father.
If you're going through a tough time and feeling like giving up, remember that sometimes the most significant challenges can lead to the most significant opportunities. For me, becoming a father at a young age was the catalyst for my success. Don't be afraid to take risks and make bold moves because, in the end, they may just be the key moments that change your life forever.
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